Dr. Gopichand Katragadda CEng FIET, an Indian expert in Artificial Intelligence technology, has been appointed as the 142nd President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Dr Katragadda assumed office from 1 October 2023 in the UK and will be spearheading the international body from India. His selection marks a historic moment for the country as he is the first Indian to lead IET global and the only Indian to assume the presidency of a global engineering body.

Dr. Gopichand Katragadda, President, The IET

Speaking about the new role, Dr. Gopichand Katragadda said, “I’m deeply honoured and excited to take on the role of the IETs 142nd President. The role is a natural continuum to my volunteering for the IET and I am looking forward to working with the trustees to give advice and support as the IET ramps up its digitalisation strategy.”

With his upcoming President’s Address focusing on the role Engineers have with AI, he continued, “We are at a point in time for AI similar to what the early 1990s were to the internet. Everything around us will be reinvented and engineers can lead the way in delivering a resilient future by embracing innovation and technical advancements and dispelling myths about AI. Engineers must also lead the way in understanding AIs positive and negative impacts and work with policymakers to define guardrails and frameworks for Ethical data and Ethical AI.”

A seasoned technologist and executive leader, Dr Gopichand is the Founder and CEO of Myelin Foundry – an AI company with a vision to transform human experiences and industry outcomes. He is also an Independent Director of Bosch India Limited and ICICI Securities and a member of the NASSCOM governing council for the Centre of Excellence for Data Science and AI.

Ed Almond, Chief Executive and Secretary at the IET, added, “The influence and impact of the IET has grown significantly over the past few years, with our past presidents leaving a fantastic legacy of determination and expert leadership. It is indeed a momentous occasion to have Dr Gopichand Katragadda taking over the reins as a highly respected thought-leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and our first Indian president. With an illustrious career to his credit, I am certain that he will play a key role in steering the IET towards our vision of engineering a better world.”

In his presidential year, Dr Gopichand will work closely with the IET to shape the organisation’s directives and strategise the advancement of engineering and technology in society. He will represent the IET at various events and conferences, advocating for its interests in society. Dr Gopichand will also play a pivotal role in supporting the continuous professional development of IET members and participate in initiatives aimed at advancing innovation and research in the engineering community, especially in the AI space.

“We are delighted to witness Dr Gopichand Katragadda make history by being the first Indian to be leading The IET as its president. He is a true visionary in AI and technology innovation, and we are confident that his expert guidance will propel IET to new heights. Under his guidance, we anticipate a future filled with innovation, progress, and transformative change within the engineering community,” said Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director, IET India.

Dr Katragadda has taken over from Professor Bob Cryan CBE, Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Huddersfield. Past IET Presidents to lead the global engineering institution include a range of prominent leaders in the industry, such as Sir Robin Saxby, Founder and Ex-CEO, ARM Holdings and Naomi Climer CBE, former Vice-President of Sony Professional Solutions Europe and co-Founder and co-Chair of the Institute of Work.

About The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The IET is one of the world’s largest engineering institutions with over 168,000 members in 150 countries. It is also the most multidisciplinary – to reflect the increasingly diverse nature of engineering in the 21st century. The IET is working to engineer a better world by inspiring, informing and influencing its members, engineers and technicians and all those who are touched by or touch the work of engineers.

About IET India

The India chapter of IET started operations in India in 2006, from Bangalore. Given the increasing global importance of India as an engineering hub, its aim is to make an impact that has relevance both locally and internationally. Its strategy is to bring a telling difference to the overall competency and skill levels within the Indian engineering community and play an influencing role in Industry in relation to technology innovation and solving problems of public importance. The organization plans to do this by working in partnership with Industry, academia and the Government, focusing on the application of practical skills within both learning and career lifecycles, and driving innovation and thought leadership through high-impact sectors.

93.5 RED FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network announced the third edition of ‘Dugga Dugga – Sounds of Sharodiya‘ to celebrate the festive fervor and experience the magic of Durga Puja like never before. The festival will take place on October 15th at the Dhanadhanya Auditorium in Kolkata.

Red FM Dugga Dugga Festival | The Sounds of Sharodiya | Durga Puja 2023

As the Mahalaya ushers in the autumnal season, Red FM, after two successful virtual editions is bringing the festival to the ground. From an extensive lineup of musical prowesses like Kaushiki Chakraborty, Sourendra-Soumyojit, and Somlata Acharya to the dancing stars Tanushhree Shankar & Troupe, all will be hosted by the charismatic wordsmith, Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee. The festival will also have immersive experiences with distinguished artists from Kumortuli who will captivate the art of ‘Chokku daan.’

Reflecting on this announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, RED FM, and Magic FM, stated, “Embracing culture is at the core of our brands beliefs. Since radio is an enabler of local cultures and festivals, it gives us the edge above the rest to continue working towards our fundamental convictions. By doing so, we not only honor tradition but also unite communities in shared celebrations. We began hosting Dugga Dugga to showcase the unparalleled religious and cultural experience of the festival. The event offers a nuanced escapade with several cultural elements like music, and dance as well as art exhibitions providing an intriguing visual delight. Among various other musical IPs of Red Live, ‘Dugga Dugga’ centers music tradition in its original form and yet presents it with a twist for our audience, this year, on the ground.“

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down the days to the grand celebration of “Dugga Dugga – The Sound of Sharodiya.” Kolkata, get ready to be swept away by the magic!

Book Now – bit.ly/DuggaDugga2023_PressRelease.

About 93.5 RED FM

Red FM stands out as not only India’s largest radio channels, but also one of the biggest entertainment networks. We are hyper local, hyper vocal, and with our brand philosophy and attitude ‘Bajaate Raho!‘ We are at the core of millennials’ hearts. By leveraging our two-decades-old legacy and expertise, we sow the seeds of a ‘larger than life experience‘. We thrive on the emotional connection with the listeners and audience fashioned through a massive footprint of 69 radio stations across the country. We create original podcasts, digital shows, and on-ground events, feature independent music, make 360-degree noise, and speak the truth. As the ‘station of expression‘ Red FM boasts over 567 award-winning campaigns including BEST BRAND, BEST FM STATION, and BEST RJs.

Inaugurated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honble Deputy CM of Maharashtra

Located at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Complex (MIDC) in Andheri East, Mumbai

The 50,000 sq. ft. centralized hub brings together retail, procurement supply chain, and B2B operations in India

The new facility will be the strategic foundation for the brand’s current and future business aspirations in India.

To launch 40 stores in India and 16 stores in other countries by FY24

To invest Rs. 1,000 crore and generate 4,000 jobs in Maharashtra by FY25

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally with over 330 outlets across 11 countries, has launched Malabar National Hub (M-NH), its centralised base of India operations, at Andheri East in Mumbai. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the presence of Shri M.P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, Shri Vijay Darda, former Member of Parliament and Chairman, Lokmat Media Group, Shri K.P Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group, Shri Asher O, MD – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Group Executive Directors AK Nishad, KP Veerankutty, Mayinkutty, Abdul Majeed, AK Faisal, Abdulla, West Regional Head Fanzeem Ahammed, other official dignitaries, management team members of Malabar Group, industry partners, and well-wishers.

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honble Deputy CM, Maharashtra launching Malabar National Hub in Mumbai with M.P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, Asher O, MD – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Spread over 50,000 sq. ft., M-NH brings under one roof Malabar Gold & Diamonds multiple operations such as retail, procurement and supply chain, e-commerce, digital gold, digital marketing, CRM, omnichannel operations, merchandising and bullion, corporate gifting and B2B divisions, human resources and legal. M-NH will usher in a new era of growth and catapult the brand to new heights by paving the way for Malabar Gold & Diamonds to achieve its business goals. The company has deployed more than 450 employees to run the operations at M-NH.

Mumbai being the financial capital of India and a major global jewellery and diamond trading hub, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has set up its base for its national operations in the city to leverage its strategic advantages.

Commenting on the inauguration of M-NH, Shri M.P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group said, “As we celebrate 30 glorious years of our journey, the opening of Malabar National Hub is a proud moment and a significant landmark for us. It will further fuel our global growth aspiration and lay the foundation for the next phase of growth. The consolidation of all our key functionalities at M-NH will enhance efficiency and streamline management, as we focus on further growing our network of more than 190 retail showrooms across the country. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our loyal customers, shareholders, associates, and employees for their whole-hearted support. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Honble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, for his support in developing M-NH and gracing the event with his august presence. We also would like to thank the Government of Maharashtra for their continuing support in helping us in setting up M-NH and serving the customers in Maharashtra.”

“The opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ national operational base in Mumbai is a strong testimony to the state’s conducive environment for investment and favourable business ecosystem,” commented Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. “With the brand’s well-documented tradition of transforming jewellery trade, providing employment opportunities, and championing social causes, I am confident that Malabar National Hub will be a key proponent of our state’s development, further enriching our legacy in the global diamond and gold trade,” he added.

“M-NH will play a pivotal role in spreading the famed jewellery craftsmanship of our country both in the domestic and global markets. India is our biggest market, our aim is to strengthen our retail presence in existing regions and expand into new territories including Rajasthan, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Goa, Assam, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir. Mumbais strategic edge will help us further drive growth in India,” said Shri Asher O, Managing Director – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

“Our continued efforts to project the countrys unparalleled craftsmanship to the domestic market and to the world are delivering the desired results. Our recent foray into Europe with the launch of our first showroom in the UK at London, as well as the setting up of Malabar International Hub (MIH) in Dubai, UAE are significant milestones in our mission, Make in India, Market to the World. M-NH will drive that mission and accelerate our global digital transformation efforts, including the implementation of omnichannel operations, digital gold, and the endless aisle concept. M-NH will play an enabling role in realising our ambitious growth plans,” said Shri Abdul Salam K.P., Vice Chairman, Malabar Group.

In strict adherence to Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ commitment towards ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) guidelines, various environmental and sustainable initiatives have been incorporated in the building’s designs and the facility is in the process of getting its LEED GOLD certification.

About Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of $5.2 billion, the company currently ranks as the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 330 outlets spread across 11 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, procurement centers and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA & the UK. The group, owned by more than 4,000 shareholders, has more than 21,000 employees from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes. The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and lightweight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections. ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus areas of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment, and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.

The International Safety Awards are an internationally recognised accolade for health, safety and wellbeing excellence and this year will be the 66th year they have taken place. The awards recognise an organisation’s commitment to excellent standards of health, safety and wellbeing management.

International Safety Awards 2024

In 2023, 773 organisations of all sizes, types and sectors won an International Safety Award. The winners included businesses from the UK, Africa, Asia, India, mainland Europe and the Middle East. Of these, 205 (26 per cent) were Indian companies, the highest-ever number for Indian organisations receiving the highly prized accolade.

A full list of 2023’s winners can be found here.

Businesses of all sizes, types and sectors around the world can apply. There are 13 award categories for 2024, including seven that are free to enter. A new sector award of Consultancy and Advisory has been added this year for relevant organisations in all countries.

Launching the International Safety Awards for 2024, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said, “At a time when the term ‘perma-crisis’ has been used to define our age, and global events continue to threaten and disrupt lives around the globe, ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of people at work has never been more vital. So it’s great that we can pause for a moment and celebrate the successes of people and their organisations in preventing accidents, injuries and ill health in workplaces over the past year.”

“The British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards are rightly seen by companies, teams, and individuals as a pinnacle of achievement and recognition in protecting and enhancing the health, safety and wellbeing of workers. I would encourage all organisations and leaders around the world who are proud of their track record to put themselves forward for an award.”

Businesses applying can be recognised as ‘best in class’ across four categories:

The Sector Awards will recognise overall ‘best in class’ submissions by organisations to the International Safety Awards, by industry sector category

The Best in Country Awards will recognise the highest scoring and best overall application from individual countries where there are sufficient applications from the given country

Best in Company Award is for organisations with 50 or more participating sites and recognises the site(s) with the most outstanding applications

Chief Adjudicator’s Award will recognise the most outstanding applications from this year’s entrants. Previous winners have been exemplars in their respective areas and evidenced this through their application responses.

Winners of the Sector and Best in Country will only be awarded where there is an applicant who has achieved a Distinction in their 2024 International Safety Award application.

Seven of the awards are completely free-to-enter whether or not they have applied for an International Safety Award. These are:

Seize the Opportunity Award: This award recognises organisations that have gone the extra mile to seize health, safety or wellbeing opportunities resulting from a crisis.

CEO Award: This recognises the leadership and strategic vision of CEOs who have made a vital contribution to the health, safety and wellbeing of their business and to the wider society during 2023. The award recognises how an individual CEO has taken an active role in aligning and championing their organisation’s health, safety and wellbeing interests with their internal and external stakeholders.

Health and Safety Transformation Award – sponsored by Croner-i: The Health and Safety Transformation Award is for organisations that have significantly changed or transformed any aspect of health, safety or wellbeing to a significant extent through the use of information.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award: This recognises an employee who, in the opinion of the organisation or person nominating them, has played a significant role in ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues and others.

Team of the Year Award: This recognises outstanding achievements resulting in a significant improvement to health, safety or wellbeing, from a collaboration of stakeholders, which may include members of the organisation, suppliers, subcontractors and/or the wider community.

The James Tye Award: This recognises an organisation or a team of individuals who have developed and run a campaign in 2023 that has made a significant impact on health, safety or wellbeing in the workplace. It is named after British Safety Council’s founder, James Tye, who campaigned tirelessly on issues such as life jackets and seat belts.

Wellbeing Initiative Award – powered by Being Well Together: This recognises and rewards those organisations that have demonstrated a proactive and effective approach to improving employee wellbeing.

The closing date for applications is 9 February 2024and the results will be announced on 11 March 2024.

To apply go to International Safety Awards 2024.

About the British Safety Council

British Safety Council believes that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work. 

Since its foundation in 1957, British Safety Council has campaigned tirelessly to protect workers from accidents, hazards and unsafe conditions, and played a decisive role in the political process that has led to the adoption of landmark safety legislation in the UK. Its members in more than 60 countries are committed to protecting and improving the wellbeing of workers, believing that a healthy and safe work environment is also good for business.

We are a registered charity (Charity No. 1097271 and OSCR No. SC037998). As part of its charitable work, British Safety Council leads health and safety networking forums for numerous sectors, facilitates and promotes best practice in the UK and overseas. It also offers a range of services and products, including training, qualifications, publications, audits and awards. British Safety Council works closely with organisations, charities and individuals who share its vision of ensuring that every worker goes home at the end of the day as healthy as they were when they went to work.

We would be grateful if you could use British Safety Council in full rather than abbreviating to BSC when quoting our organisation.

British Safety Council’s networks
Website: britsafe.in
Twitter: www.twitter.com/britsafe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/britishsafetycouncilIndia
YouTube: www.youtube.com/britishsafetycouncil
LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/company/british-safety-council-india
Safety Management: sm.britsafe.org

Initiative launched to bring students closer to Swami Vivekanandas learnings on life through a blend of wisdom and AI-powered technology

Portal launched to encourage students to integrate useful life lessons to craft their futures and to help in solving dilemmas of personal and academic natures

Rishihood University, India’s first impact university instituted in Sonipat, Haryana recently launched the Vivekananda AI Portal in lieu of the 130th Anniversary of Swami Vivekanands historic speech in Chicago, USA. A ground-breaking initiative to introduce the timeless wisdom of Swami Vivekananda for living life effortlessly to students at the drop-of-a-hat, the Vivekananda AI portal leverages cutting-edge immersive and online technology.to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges, thereby assisting in navigation through modern complexities, both personal and academic in nature for students.

Vivekananda AI Portal

Acclaimed philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda, often revered as a modern Rishi, left an indelible mark on the world with his profound yet simplistic insights on self-realization, human potential, and the unity of all beings. His vision of education extends beyond the confines of traditional classrooms and his teachings foster self-discovery, critical thinking, and a unique understanding of lifes purpose. By using AI technology, Rishihood Online Learning, an initiative of Rishihood University makes his teachings more accessible to people from all ages and backgrounds with the goal of shaping a future that rests on strong educational foundations.

Vivekananda AI Portal

Rishihood University aims to help students learn from Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and apply those not just in education but also in their everyday lives.The University encourages the usage of the Vivekananda.ai portal by its students so as to facilitate a seamless integration of the philosophers teachings with modern education in a bid to help students connect with their roots and use that wisdom to shape their futures.

Speaking on the occasion Shobit Mathur, Co-founder and Vice Chancellor, Rishihood University said, “Rishihood University aims at providing a well-balanced and holistic education to its students. We at Rishihood University believe that students learn not just by being exposed to classroom-learning but by experiential learning; something that lies at the core of Swami Vivekanandas philosophy of education. Such profound wisdom should not be left unaccessed. Recognising the changing education landscape heralded by the advent of Artificial Intelligence, Rishihood University aims to impart impact-based experiential learning to its students by utilising technology and AI to its fullest extent. Swami Vivekananda is one of the most revered Indian philosophers and spiritual leaders and his teachings are a goldmine of information on everything from life to social reform to building a great nation and more. We hope that through this initiative, students will be able to access and learn from such a personality and incorporate the knowledge in their lives. and in order to facilitate this, we have tried to make the learning experience as immersive as possible so that students are able to retain the information with ease.“

Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology and deep learning, Rishihood University has harnessed the collective wisdom encapsulated in the complete works of Swami Vivekananda. The Vivekananda.ai portal serves as not just an educational platform, but also as a gateway to an interactive and personalized learning experience, inviting individuals to engage in meaningful dialogues with Swami Vivekananda for various purposes be it to seek guidance on personal or academic issues or using the portal to explore his teachings in an immersive and dynamic format.

About Rishihood University
Rishihood University, instituted in Sonepat, Haryana in 2020 is Indias first impact university. Based on the ideologies of Rishihood, the University aims to impart impactful education and inculcate leadership capacity to its students with a curriculum anchored on self-leadership, mentorship, experience and multi-disciplinary learning.

Founded and led by people who come from a diverse set of backgrounds including business, public life, spirituality, academia, social entrepreneurship, technology, and social work, the University offers a multi-disciplinary, multidimensional, and multimodal way of learning.

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) announces the election of Mr Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India, as its President during the 46th Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador-Designate of France to India, along with over 300+ influential C-level business leaders from the Indo-French business community.

Hon. Deputy CM Shri. Devendra Fadnavis was felicitated in the presence of H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador-Designate of France to India at its 46th AGM and the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French Strategic Partnership.

IFCCI honors Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis for boosting investor confidence in Maharashtra, making it a prime FDI destination in India

IFCCI stands as Indias most dynamic bilateral chamber, dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial trade relations between India and France.

At this occasion, IFCCI felicitated Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for his tremendous support and contribution for creating an investment friendly ecosystem in Maharashtra thus making it a favorable destination for FDI in the country. Specifically, his role in strengthening French investments and in fostering ease of doing business for French companies in the State of Maharashtra, resulting in a boost of bilateral trade and numerous job opportunities in the State.

Addressing the august gathering, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, remarked, “Delighted to have been felicitated with this important honour. Thank you IFCCI for recognising our contribution and encouraging us. Dedicate this award to all my industrial workers, it is due to their effort and that of the owners who run these units, Maharashtra today is the most industrialised state in the country. Driven by huge local demand, best infrastructure in the country, most competitive and reliable incentives, Policy and political stability and the most skilled human resource, Maharashtra has the highest probability of your business to be successful. Assure all investors that Ease of doing Business is Topmost priority of this Government.”

French companies have made substantial investments in India, concurrently generating sustainable and significant employment opportunities in the country. The 25-year-old strategic partnership between India and France, rooted in mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation, has witnessed remarkable growth in the political, cultural, and economic spheres. Notably, Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, attended Bastille Day celebration in Paris as the Guest of Honor on July 14th, marking a historic occasion where an Indian military contingent proudly participated alongside French troops in the military parade on Champs Elysees. This was followed by the second official visit to India of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, during the G20 Summit last month.

H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador-Designate of France to India, added, “My warmest congratulations to Jean Touboul on his election as President of IFCCI, and my heartfelt thanks to Sumeet Anand for steering IFCCI so ably these past years, and growing it into one of France’s most active bilateral chambers of commerce in the world. I am impressed by the dynamism of the Indo-French business community. These business ties contribute directly to the France-India strategic partnership, through our commitment to investing together in the sectors of the future, fostering innovation, and developing sustainable solutions.”

Mr. Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India takes over the IFCCI presidency from Mr. Sumeet Anand, Founder & CEO of IndSight Growth Partners, who was bestowed the prestigious Legion of Honour, Frances highest civilian distinction, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to strengthening the India-France business corridor.

Upon his appointment as the President of IFCCI, Mr. Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India shared his vision, stating,“This honor comes with a profound commitment – to continue collaborating to support businesses and cultivating opportunities for growth. We wholeheartedly embrace the Governments vision of a self-reliant India, and it compels us to make substantial investments in the country, catalyzing economic prosperity and nurturing an innovation hub accessible to all. Our ultimate objective is to empower our fellow Indian citizens through employment generation. Additionally, a paramount priority is the advocacy of ethical and sustainable business practices that revolutionize our strategic approaches. Leveraging the rich entrepreneurial legacies of both India and France, we aspire to forge a thriving ecosystem, ensuring a resilient future for businesses across diverse sectors.”

As Pernod Ricard itself completes 30 years of its strong foothold in India, the election of Touboul serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, profound innovation, and the deepening bond between these two nations.

French companies are unwavering in their commitment to investing in the State of Maharashtra. In April 2023, 19 French companies pledged substantial investments, amounting to 5000 crores of rupees, in the presence of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra at the Invest. This momentous Investment Conclave was organized by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) in collaboration with MIDC and the Government of Maharashtra, underlining the collective dedication to fostering economic growth in the country and its regions.

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) stands as one of the most vibrant chambers in the global network of French Chambers, known as CCI France International, encompassing 120 chambers spanning across 94 countries. In recognition of its innovative endeavours, Earlier this year in May, IFCCI was honored as the “Most Innovative Chamber” for the fourth consecutive year, with the award presented to Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI, in Paris.

The Annual General Meeting featured two insightful panel discussions centered on the theme “Indias Journey: Global Manufacturing, Supply Chains, and ESG Practices.” These sessions, led by CEOs from top French and Indian corporations, highlighted their visions for sustainable business growth, responsible manufacturing and supply chain management, and adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines for successful operations in India.

About IFCCI
Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) belongs to a worldwide network of 120 French Chambers (CCIFI) in 94 countries with over 37,000 member companies. One of the most active bilateral chambers in India, the Indo-French Chamber is a private association that promotes mutually beneficial trade relations between India & France. IFCCI represents a dynamic business platform of over 650 company members and a total network of more than 6,500 individual members. IFCCI has six offices in Mumbai (HQ), New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad.

Soch, the largest evening-occasion women’s ethnic wear brand, unveiled their latest festive collection amidst a dazzling media event that unfolded at 2 Moons, 1 MG mall, Bengaluru, on the 28th of September. The soiree gathered distinguished members of the media industry and influencers, from all over town. This grand affair was nothing short of a celebration, a Tyohaar in its true sense, with the festive collection on runway, food and music marking the night.

Mr. Manohar Chatlani and the models post the Soch collection showcase event in Bangalore

Soch is thrilled to introduce its highly anticipated festive collection, “Tyohaar“. This collection encapsulates the essence of the season by seamlessly blending traditional prints with contemporary designs, offering an elaborate range that exudes the spirit of celebration.

“Tyohaar” features meticulously crafted outfits that are designed to make a lasting impression during the festive season. From embellished peplum tops paired with shararas to an array of kaftans, churidar sets, gowns, dresses, and sarees that are a testament to craftsmanship and modern designs.

The collection takes inspiration from various printing methods and authentic jacquard weaving techniques that integrate Soch’s vision of catering to the dynamic preferences of todays women. From rich brocade clad styles, to the timeless charm of Bandhani, the craft of kalamkari and the beautiful appeal of Lurex, the collection promises a harmonious blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. The color palette expresses the blend of natural hues, mid-tones, jewel tones, and deeper shades, that showcase elegance and sophistication.

The inspiration behind “Tyohaar” is rooted in a commitment to preserve age-old printing methods such as Bandhani, Kalamkari, and Ajrak. It pays homage to the authenticity of them, creating a perfect fusion of the past and present. The collection commemorates the essence of every festive occasion, infusing it with magnificence and a radiant sparkle.

Priced at INR 1999 onwards, the Festive ’23 collection, “Tyohaar” is available at all Soch outlets and online on www.soch.com.

To stay abreast of the latest offers and receive timely updates, follow Soch on – Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Pinterest. For further information and a comprehensive shopping experience, visit our official website soch.com.

About Soch

Soch Apparels, the largest evening-occasion wear ethnic brand for women in India, seamlessly combines traditional and modern artistry. Our meticulously crafted outfits, featuring elaborate embroideries and handpicked fabrics, celebrate the rich heritage of Indian aesthetics. Soch offers a wide range of stylish designer ethnic wear which includes sarees, salwar suits, kurtas, tunics, kurta sets, lehengas, and kaftans. With over 160 stores across 60+ cities, Soch is the go-to destination for stylish and elegant designer ethnic wear. Recognized as the Best Ethnic Fashion Retailer of the Year 2023, we continue to redefine traditional Indian fashion.

Visit soch.com to explore our collection.

The second edition of e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50, which ranks the top political party spokepersons in the country, was held at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday 1st Oct 2023.

2nd Edition of e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50

In a vibrant democracy like India, political spokespersons play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, influencing policy debates, and driving the narrative for their respective parties.

In the second edition of this prestigious list five spokespersons of the Bharatiya Janata Party, three from the Congress and two from AAP featured among the top ten.

e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50 initiative aims to recognize and honor the individuals who stand at the forefront of political communication, evaluate their effectiveness, and acknowledge their impact on the national discourse. By systematically assessing their articulation skills, credibility, and ability to engage with diverse audiences, we aim to shed light on the leaders who master the art of political representation.

The ranking process employs a comprehensive and unbiased approach. It considers various parameters such as communication style, media presence, knowledge of issues, and public influence. The assessment involves a thorough evaluation of their public statements, media interactions, and overall impact on shaping political narratives.

“Today we celebrate the power of eloquence and the art of political representation. These spokespersons are not just voices; they are architects of national narratives, shaping our understanding of democracy. Their words echo in the corridors of power, influencing policies and public opinions. The e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50 is not just a list; it’s a tribute to those who wield words with impact, and tonight, we honor their exceptional contribution to our vibrant democracy,” Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Founder, exchange4media Group.