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Tag: South Asia

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BIMTECH Participates in EURO790,000 EU-Funded Mission to Build SACE-Skilled Workforce in South Asia

Jul 30, 2024 by Mansi 0 Comments #BIMTECH, #SACE, #South Asia

Mumbai, 30th July, 2024: Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida, spearheads a pioneering effort to advance circular economy ideas across South Asia via the EU-funded KODECET project. The project, ‘Knowledge Development for Circular Economy Transition (KODECET),’ brings together distinguished faculty members from six partner institutions: University of Jyväskylä (Finland), FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH (Austria), BIMTECH (India), NIRMA University (India), Prince of Songkla University (Thailand), and Payap University (Thailand). Dr. Bhavesh Sarna from the University of Jyväskylä leads this international project, while Dr. Veenu Sharma from BIMTECH spearheads it as the National Lead from India. Faculty members from BIMTECH participating include Dr. K. K. Upadhyay, Dr. Prateek Jain, Dr. Anupama Singh, and Ms. Svadha Rai.

GOALS

Launched in January 2024, the project aims to establish four Digi-SUSTEACH centers to enhance the instructional capacity of university faculty, students, and early-stage professionals in Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE). These centers will function as digital hubs for teaching and research, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide world-class training and develop comprehensive SACE courses with diverse learning materials.

Initiated under the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) leadership, the project aims to integrate SACE principles into the core curriculum of higher education institutions. The inaugural Kick-Off meeting on January 22, 2024, at Payap University in Thailand marked the beginning of this collaborative effort among partner universities across Finland, Austria, India, and Thailand. The project aims to develop a SACE-skilled workforce for a better business and environmental future.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, highlighted the bright prospects of the circular economy in India, emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening knowledge and learning about circular economy education through collaborative initiatives. Dr. Rajib believes that these collective efforts will be instrumental in establishing a foundation for circular economy education in South Asia. The Digi-SUSTEACH centers will serve as digital hubs for teaching and research on the circular economy, equipped with state-of-the-art software and hardware to provide world-class training. The centers aim to develop comprehensive courses on the circular economy, including a wide range of learning materials to cater to different learning styles.

The €790,010.00 EU-funded KODECET project signifies a major step forward for circular economy education and research in India. This 36-month collaboration among six partners from four countries fosters international collaboration and paves the way for innovation in the field. The Digi-SUSTEACH centers are key to achieving the project’s goals. These digital hubs for circular economy teaching and research will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide world-class training. They will house comprehensive circular economy courses featuring diverse learning materials to cater to various learning styles. Dr. Veenu Sharma, the project’s National Lead from India, is enthusiastic. She calls the initiative “a significant leap towards sustainable development and circular economy education, fostering innovation and collaboration across borders.”

To achieve its ambitious goals, the project will train 20 faculty members who will then educate 120 students on circular economy principles. Additionally, a social media hackathon will engage students and raise awareness. Further strengthening the initiative, NIRMA University will design intensive workshops to equip faculty members with the necessary skills to effectively teach circular economy concepts. FH JOANNEUM University will develop courses covering waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable business models – all crucial aspects of the circular economy. Prince of Songkla University plays a key role in establishing the Digi-SUSTEACH centers. These centers, equipped with advanced computing systems, interactive learning platforms, and simulation software, will provide an immersive learning experience. Finally, Payap University takes the vital role of disseminating information about the project. They will ensure the project’s goals and achievements reach a wider audience, promoting greater adoption of circular economy principles.

The KODECET project, with its focus on education and collaboration, is building a strong educational framework for circular economy principles. By empowering educators and students with advanced tools and resources, the project aims to drive a sustainable transformation across South Asia and beyond.

Inspired by its founder late Basant Kumar Birla, BIMTECH pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH proudly holds the 48th position in the Management Category in NIRF-National Institutional Ranking Framework 2023 and secures the 17th rank among the top private B-Schools in India, as per Business Today-MDRA Best B-Schools Ranking 2023. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 7000 individuals.

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A. O. Smith to Acquire Pureit, a Leading Water Purification Business in South Asia

Jul 16, 2024 by Mansi 0 Comments #A. O. Smith, #Kevin J. Wheeler, #South Asia, #Water Purification Business

Milwaukee, Wis., USA, July 16, 2024 — Global water technology company A. O. Smith Corporation (the “Company”) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Pureit from Unilever. Pureit offers a broad range of residential water purification solutions, primarily in India. The acquisition of Pureit is projected to close by the end of 2024 and is not expected to have a material impact to earnings in the first year.

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“We believe the addition of Pureit will strengthen our leadership position as a global supplier of premium water treatment products and will double our market penetration in South Asia. The acquisition will also support our corporate strategy by enhancing our premium product portfolio and distribution capabilities,” said Kevin J. Wheeler, chairman and chief executive officer.

“The Pureit brand, known for innovative water purification products, strong brand recognition and dedication to customer service, complements A. O. Smith’s geographic and channel presence. The Pureit team’s deep understanding of consumer needs and water treatment expertise adds tremendous strength to A. O. Smith in India and we look forward to welcoming the Pureit team to the A. O. Smith family,” said Parag Kulkarni, president of A. O. Smith India Water Products Private Limited.

Rohit Jawa, chief executive officer and managing director of Hindustan Unilever Limited, commented, “This move is in line with our strategic intent to focus sharply on our core categories. Pureit provides essential water purification solutions to millions of loyal consumers, and I am confident the brand will thrive further under the ownership of A. O. Smith.”

A. O. Smith will release its second quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, July 23 and host a webcasted conference call at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time). Additional details on the acquisition will be provided at that time.

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BurdaLuxury Appoints Akshita M. Bhanj Deo as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia

Jul 12, 2024 by Mansi 0 Comments #Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, #India, #Leisure IndiaBjörn Rettig, #South Asia, #Travel

Bangkok, Thailand & Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

July 12, 2024

BurdaLuxury, Asia’s leading media company, today announced the appointment of Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, as Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure India and South Asia, effective 15th July 2024. In this role, she will lead the editorial team for the brand, along with defining the editorial strategy and developing new campaigns.

Akshita M. Bhanj Deo, a former TEDx speaker, and previous manager at Dasra, has led numerous events to influence philanthropic perspectives and foster community building among HNI and UHNI families. Deo brings a global perspective to the brand, having lived and worked in Singapore, New York, and India.

“I look forward to bringing my experience in marketing and luxury brand experience to further enhance Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s editorial presence and continue to inspire readers with the best of travel and hospitality,” said Deo. “In my new role, I want to shine a light on unique travel experiences through storytelling that resonates with our diverse, vibrant community of readers.”

Travel + Leisure India & South Asia has seen substantial growth in recent years, with the addition of new intellectual properties such as the publication’s Delicious Dining Awards contributing to the brand’s success. To facilitate this growth, in addition to Akshita M. Bhanj Deo’s appointment, the brand will also welcome Samreen Tungekar as Managing Editor and Neelangana Vasudeva as Fashion Editor for both Travel + Leisure India & South Asia as well as Lifestyle Asia India, another key brand in BurdaLuxury’s portfolio.

“These leadership appointments are crucial to our growth and strategic vision,” said Björn Rettig, CEO of BurdaLuxury. “Akshita’s experience within the tourism sector, as well as her outstanding editorial vision, both align perfectly with our mission in travel journalism to inspire and guide travelers worldwide and provide access to unique experiences. Additionally, with Samreen joining as Managing Editor and Neelangana as Fashion Editor, we look forward to enhancing the brand’s appeal whilst maintaining our editorial excellence.”

Samreen Tungekar who previously held the title of Managing Editor at Grazia India, joins as the new Managing Editor for the brand. Tungekar brings her editorial expertise which ensures the highest quality content for readers.

Joining as Fashion Editor for both Travel and Leisure India and South Asia and Lifestyle Asia India, Neelangana Vasudeva, formerly the Deputy Manager of Fashion Content and Styling at Ajio.com has had the experience of collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the industry, including Gucci, Lexus, Asics, and Hyundai, to name a few.

The appointment follows the recent announcement of Annesha Sanyal as Country Director, Brand Solutions & Marketing for BurdaLuxury India, underscoring the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team to drive regional growth.

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Indian market means so much to us: Denise Eaton Trade & Investment Commissioner for Austrade in South Asia

May 24, 2024 by Gayathri Pariti 0 Comments #AI, #Australian Premiere Anthony Albanese, #Defence Manufacturing, #Denise Eaton Trade & Investment, #FICCI Ladies Organisation, #Hyderabad, #Indian market, #Jennifer Larson, #MSMEs, #Priya Gazdar, #South Asia, #Technology, #Trade & Investment Commissioner, #USD in 2023

Hyderabad, May 24, 2024….FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) organised a session “Global Alliances: Strengthening Economic Bridges” featuring Jennifer Larson United States Consular General in Hyderabad; Gareth Owen British Deputy High Commissioner Telangana and AP and Denise Eaton Trade & Investment Commissioner for Austrade in South Asia in the city at the Park on Thursday.

PRIYA GAZDARJENNIFOR_GARETH AND DENISE AT THE GLOBAL ALLIANCES SESSION ORGANISED BY FLO.

Today’s session will serve as a gateway to global trade for our members, said Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO while welcoming the gathering. We are now living in a global village. Trade between nations has become much simpler than in the past. International trade allows companies in general and our members in particular to expand their markets and access goods and services.

No country has so much robust relationship as much as India and the US have. The trade has grown nearly ten times since 2001, to about 200 billion USD in 2023. The strength of our relationship is our people-to-people connections, strong democracy and shared values. It may not be the right time for a bilateral trade agreement or something like a Free Trade Agreement. She ruled out that happening in immediate future because elections in India which followed by elections in the USA.

Jennifer Larson was confident that the bilateral trade between both nations India and the US might touch 500 billion US $ in the next 5 years.

Denise said the trade delegation led by Australian Premiere Anthony Albanese last year to India was very significant. It demonstrates our mutually beneficial relationship and the bond. Modi and Albanese met thrice in the year 2023 itself speaks volumes. Indian market means so much to us. You are the largest market, she added.

Gareth said the educational and cultural exchanges between countries contribute to strengthening our trade relations. Our cultural and people-to-people relations are very strong. The UK is an educational destination for many Indian students. We have 1.3 lakh Indian students studying in our country

Jennifer said the inner Indian studying in the US is increasing year on year. 40 per cent of Indian students in America are Telugu. Telugu is the fastest-growing language in the USA

Speaking on capacity-building to further two-way economic ties between countries, Denise said India and Australia are natural partners. Critical minerals are something we are strong about and India is fast developing battery manufacturing market. I see a mutual benefit in that area.

India is our 12th largest trade partner and we hope to strengthen that relationship to take to the 10th position said Gareth.

A lot of US companies have a presence in Hyderabad. And their last count is anywhere around 200. And I keep going inaugurating them every week. A lot of them have set up their shops on their own accord. It is wonderful to see this and their number is likely go up said Jennifer.

We look forward to Pharma, IT, Defence Manufacturing, Multi brand retail etc for increased cooperation added Jennifer. A US investor has a billion US $ exposure in India and they are likely to triple their exposure, Jennifer shared.

Gareth agreed that access to funds for women, entrepreneurs is always challenging.

Speaking about MSMEs, Jennifer said 80% of new companies set up in the private sector in the US are MSMEs

Denise said they signed an Economic Trade Agreement with India in 2022. It made a lot of difference. Our trade with India increased by 35% last year.

Each of the speakers gave a list of 3 priority sectors for stronger trade relationship. Gareth saw Defence, Education, AI, Technology, Semi-Conductors and ML, Jennifer looked at education as a top priority area as it is worth 9 bn annually contributed to the American economy by Indian students. Green Technology, Solar Panels, Yoga and Ayurveda have emerging markets in the USA. Gareth said saw potential  in education, EVs and Clean Energy.

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Blue Dart Introduces 20-Hour Delivery Service to GIFT City from Major Metros

Mar 28, 2024 by Gayathri Pariti 0 Comments #Balfour Manuel, #Blue Dart, #GIFT City, #South Asia

New Delhi, March 28th, 2024: Blue Dart, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, announced its central presence in GIFT City, Gujarat, with the inauguration of a new facility tailored to meet evolving customer demands and align with India’s growth trajectory. Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and seasoned personnel, Blue Dart’s GIFT City facility introduces a 20-hour delivery service from key metropolitan cities, ensuring a next-day delivery commitment.

blue dart

Commenting on this expansion, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, stated, “The inauguration of Blue Dart’s GIFT City facility signifies yet another milestone in our quest to redefine the logistics landscape. We are committed to providing best-in-class services and becoming the preferred logistics partner for all our customers’ shipping needs. We aim to enhance our market presence and capitalize on customer outreach opportunities at the global level. Blue Dart’s venture into the contemporary financial ecosystem of GIFT City will enable us to support businesses and generate value for our customers.”

Blue Dart seamlessly connects its fleet of 8 Boeing aircraft to provide express connectivity to GIFT City in Ahmedabad from all major metropolitan areas. With a strong focus on customer-centricity, the company has established an extensive network spanning across 55,600+ locations nationwide, ensuring accessibility and reliability for all shipping needs. With a robust fleet of over 12,000 on-ground vehicles including 460 E-vehicles, supported by 2,253 facilities nationwide, Blue Dart guarantees swift and secure deliveries. This strategic infrastructure positions Blue Dart as a frontrunner in providing express ground and e-commerce solutions, facilitating seamless deliveries to and from GIFT City. Leveraging the world’s largest express and logistics network as part of the DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce Solutions division, Blue Dart extends its reach to over 220 countries and territories globally.

Through its comprehensive service offerings, Blue Dart empowers SMEs and MSMEs across all pin codes by collaborating with them to expand their services and reach even the most remote areas of the country. In terms of operational efficiency, Blue Dart serves as a catalyst in facilitating business for sectors such as E-commerce, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices, BFSI, Consumer Electronics, and Automotive, among others.