The Skill Development Centre aims to enhance the skills of community members

Anyone in the community can enrol and gain relevant skills for employability

The Skill Development Centre will train 600-720 candidates annually

 

The Dr. Vijay Kumar Datla Foundation, the CSR arm of Biological E. Limited, in collaboration with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Government of Telangana, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Biological E. Limited (BE) Skill Development Centre here at Bollaram today. This landmark initiative is dedicated to enhancing the skills of community members, particularly the unemployed youth, through a range of free and industry-relevant training programmes designed to empower individuals and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities.

 

The Skill Development Centre is prepared to offer free training and vocational skill development programmes in high-demand areas such as Pharma, Tailoring, Fashion Designing, Beauty & Wellness, Digital Communication (IT/ITES), and Retailing. The local youth can enrol in these programmes to become employable. Each training programme lasts three months. Each course is supported by implementation partners with trained and certified instructors. For vocational courses, no specific qualification is required, while industrial courses are open to those who have completed at least the 10th grade, ITI, Diploma, or have graduated.

 

The Skill Development Centre also offers free crèche services to mothers participating in training and skill development programmes, allowing them to leave their children in a safe environment and concentrate on their training and skill development.

 

Dr. Trishanya Raju, Managing Trustee, the Dr. Vijay Kumar Datla Foundation, expressed, “This Centre is a testament to our commitment to empowering communities through skill development. We are delighted to collaborate with the GHMC, the Government of Telangana, and our partners to provide training and skills to unemployed youth, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and strengthening our communities. Empowering the community through skill development is a transformative journey, not just a mission. At the Biological E. Limited Skill Development Centre, we transform potential into opportunity, promoting sustainable growth and brighter future for all.’’

 

The Dr. Vijay Kumar Datla Foundation has renovated the GHMC's vacant Model Market Building, creating classrooms, a canteen, a counselling room, pharmaceutical training labs, and a 16-seater computer lab for IT/ITES training. The Skill Development Centre will train around 180 candidates across all courses each quarter, totalling an estimated 600-720 candidates annually.  

 

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

●        ACC and the Adani Foundation are empowering rural women in Tikaria, Uttar Pradesh, through self-help groups (SHGs).

●        Garima Tiwari’s story of launching a home-based RO water service exemplifies financial independence and community impact.

●        With support from ACC and the Adani Foundation, Garima is generating a steady income and contributing to her community.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, is committed to fostering enabling sustainable livelihoods in rural Tikaria, Uttar Pradesh. Through self-help groups (SHGs), ACC and the Adani Foundation are empowering women like Garima Tiwari to achieve financial independence and contribute to community well-being.

 

The Adani Foundation supported Garima with Rs. 60,000 in financial assistance, while also providing her with proper training and exposure visits for a complete understanding of the process. Along with this, the team also guided her in securing Rs. 1 lakh loan from the LAXHMI SHG, Rs. 1.5 lakh from UP-NRLM, and a personal bank loan of Rs. 3 lakh. As a result, she established a home-based reverse osmosis (RO) water plant, which now supplies safe drinking water to local markets in the Gouriganj area, generating a steady monthly income of Rs. 19,000.

 

Garima’s success underscores the transformative potential of SHGs in driving economic and social change. By supporting such income-generating activities in collaboration with government programmes and social institutions, the Adani Foundation enables women to overcome financial challenges and secure sustainable livelihoods for their families.

 

ACC and the Adani Foundation remain committed to uplifting rural communities by championing inclusive development and innovative livelihood opportunities, paving the way for sustainable economic growth across rural India.

Government of India (GOI) and RBI authorises IDFC FIRST Bank for the collection of Direct taxes.

 

IDFC FIRST Bank announcedits integration with Income Tax Portal to collect Direct Tax on behalf of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Government of India. The Bank’s customers can now benefit from an intuitive, hassle-free payment experience for paying their Direct Taxes, with easy access to downloadable challans, easy payments and instant payment confirmations.

 

The Bank’s customers can use the user-friendly Retail and Corporate Internet Banking platformsof IDFC FIRST Bank, or pay the taxes at any IDFC FIRST Bank branch using Cash, Cheque or Demand Draft.

 

Speaking on the development, Mr. Chinmay Dhoble, Country Head – Retail Liabilities at IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “We are a Universal Bank and are building a complete suite of products and services to represent Universal Banking. Payment of Income Tax and GST were the only two significant services that were lacking in our proposition. We are delighted that with the approval of CBDT, Government of India and the RBI, we are now authorised to collect taxes on behalf of CBDT, GOI.

 

In line with our high-quality internet banking services, we have built customer friendly interfaces for ease of our customers. We encourage our customers to use this facility to easily pay their Direct Taxes through IDFC FIRST Bank’s online and branch channels”.

 

Steps to Pay Direct Taxes Using IDFC FIRST Bank Internet Banking:

1. Log in to the CBDT portal: https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/login
2. Create a Challan and select E-Payment via Net Banking
3. Choose IDFC FIRST Bank as the payment option
4. Complete the payment and download the tax paid challan

 

Additionally, IDFC FIRST Bank is working with CBDT officials to introduce more payment options, including UPI and card payments.

 

 

For more information, please visit www.idfcfirstbank.com.

 

Eminent author and academician Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi released her book “Fiji Mein Bhartiyon Ka Itihas Tatha Unka Jeevan (1879 – 1947)” [(The Life and History of Indians in Fiji (1879 -1947)] based on her PhD Research on the momentous occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Day. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention will be inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 9 January, 2025

Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi is the granddaughter of “late Shri Pandit Banarsi Das Chaturvedi “Rajya Sabha MP”.  Shri Banarsidas Chaturvedi has done immense work on Pravasi Bharatiya.

Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi said, “Fiji main bhartiyon ka Itihas tatha unka Jeevan (1879 – 1947)” offers a deep insight into the lives and sufferings of indentured labour from India. Dr Chaturvedi’s historic publication exposes the plight of Indian Indentured Labour on the occasion of 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The book’s release on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas emphasizes its relevance to the Indian diaspora and serves as a tribute to their resilience and contributions. The book is a call to recognize and honor the sacrifices of the Indian diaspora, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.”

Indentured labour, also known as “Coolies” is a painful and shameful reality of the British Rule in India. South Africa, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana and Fiji have had a long and dark past for these “Girmitiyas” where they were forced to work in inhuman conditions performing hard, torturous taks.

This book published by Sasta Sahitya Mandal, brings to the light the indenture of these labour forces in services and their inhumane treatment and living conditions on the Island nation of Fiji. This issue was highlighted by Pandit Banarasi Das Chaturvedi in his Book “Fiji main mere 21 Varsh” based on the experiences of Shri Totaram Sanadhya, who was an indentured labour in Fiji.

Shri Banarsidas Chaturvedi spent several years in Fiji and wrote extensively about the predicament of Indians in Fiji. Inspired by her grandfather’s work, Dr. Rekha’s research sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Indian diaspora communities, particularly Girmitiyas. Despite personal and professional responsibilities, Dr. Rekha remained committed to her research. Her dedication reflects her deep connection to her heritage and her family's advocacy for Girmitiya issues.

With the intervention of Reverend C. F. Andrews, the system of indentured labour in Fiji was formally ended in 1920.

The book’s publisher, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, has a history of supporting socially significant literature, aligning with the book’s aim to shed light on underrepresented historical narratives.

– UK’s Iconic Riverside Studios is now Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust –

In a significant move that connects art, culture, and innovation across continents, Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group, will now own the iconic Riverside Studios. The 100-year-old studio,which is a renowned global centre for arts and located on the north bank of the River Thames in the centre of London, will now operate under the name ‘Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust’. Over its illustrious history, Riverside Studio has hosted prestigious artists from across the world with song recordings by Beatles, performance by David Bowie,presented work by Dario Fo and exhibited works by David Hockney, to name a few.

This foray highlights Mr. Agarwal’s personal commitment to fostering creativity and global cultural exchange. His vision, centered on the #ArtInEveryHeart initiative, seeks to make art universally accessible, emphasizing the rich cultural ties between India and the world. With Riverside Studios, Agarwal intends to nurture spaces where innovation and cultural diversity flourish together, creating a dynamic hub for artistic expression that bridges global boundaries.

As a corner stone of art and culture, Riverside Studios has become a symbol of artistic brilliance and cultural diversity. Today, the Studio is a proud host to theatres, performance spaces, recording studios, exhibition space, cinemas with eclectic cafes.

“I have always believed that art has the power to transcend boundaries, unite people, and elevate human experience. Riverside Studios will become a premier global destination for showcasing Indian and global arts and culture. I invite Indian artists and the film fraternity to showcase their artistic talent and cinematic depth at this world-renowned venue for a truly enriching experience. Global leaders from various spheres now have an opportunity to enthral audience with their real-life experiences and journey, here. With these immersive performances, exhibitions, and cinematic showcases, the Studios will celebrate diverse heritage while continuing to host world-class productions from across the globe.I look forward to building a space that not only nurtures creativity but also inspires social change,” saidAnil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group.

Mr. Agarwal has always supported meaningful initiatives that combine philanthropy with cultural growth. As a passionate supporter of Indian art and culture, he has welcomed and hosted several Indian spiritual leaders, artists, and cultural foundations in the UK. His efforts have helped bring India’s rich traditions of art and spirituality—focusing on the mind, body, and soul—to a global audience, building bridges between India and the world.

The Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust will be a one-of-a-kind cultural centre where visitors can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class theatre productions to prominent art galleries and captivating cinema screenings to contemporary art exhibitions and live performances to hosting Ted Talks. With state-of-the-art facilities, it will attract global entertainment industry leaders, creating opportunities for Indian, British and other international creators to showcase their work.

This milestone holds particular significance for India, as one of the country’s most respected business leaders takes a prominent role in the global arts world. The #ArtInEveryHeart initiative is a testament to Mr. Agarwal’s vision of using art to build cross-cultural empathy and understanding. The takeover of Riverside Studios showcases India’s growing influence in the global cultural landscape, as Indian entrepreneurs contribute to artistic dialogues on the world stage.

This strategic move reflects Mr. Agarwal’s belief that art is a universal language, one that connects individuals across borders and cultures.To mark this historic moment, Riverside Studios will host a grand opening event in 2025, bringing together artists, performers, industry leaders, and art enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to physical events, the Trust will run a series of digital and hybrid art events to expand the venue’s reach and impact.

In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favor of RKSV Securities India Pvt. Ltd., popularly known as Upstox, restraining unknown entities from infringing upon its registered trademarks and copyrighted materials.

 

Upstox, a leading online trading platform with a customer base exceeding one crore, had approached the court alleging that unidentified individuals were operating fraudulent websites and social media groups impersonating the company. These entities were reportedly using Upstox's brand name, logo, and copyrighted images to deceive customers, leading to financial losses and reputational harm.

 

Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, acknowledged the prima facie evidence presented by Upstox and noted that the company would suffer irreparable loss without immediate judicial intervention. The court's order includes prohibiting the defendants from using Upstox's trademarks, domain names, social media handles, and any deceptively similar identifiers. It also directs domain registrars to suspend the infringing domain names and disclose the registrants' details, including KYC documents and payment information. Additionally, the court has ordered banks to freeze accounts associated with the defendants and provide KYC documents and bank statements of the account holders. Furthermore, platforms like Telegram have been instructed to suspend all profiles, groups, and channels linked to the infringing activities.

 

The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20, 2025, and has issued notices to the defendants to respond to the allegations. This decisive action underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and combating online fraud.

 

Upstox continues to advise its users to remain vigilant and to engage only with official communication channels to safeguard against potential scams.

 

Partners with Truworth Wellness to provide a comprehensive range of solutions for its 75000+ employees and their families

 

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has rolled out a holistic wellness initiative aimed at nurturing the emotional, mental and psychological wellbeing of its 75,000-plus employees and their family members. The Bank has partnered with Truworth Wellness to introduce an enhanced version of its “Employee Assistance Program” (EAP) – a pioneering initiative in the corporate wellness space.

 

Aimed at fostering a thriving work environment that actively supports the overall wellbeing of the Bank’s multi-generational employees, the “Employee Assistance Program” seeks to address the diverse emotional wellness needs of its employees.

 

The key features of Truworth Wellness's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) include: 

·         Confidential and Personalised Support: Confidential and one-on-one free counseling sessions with professional experts for employees and their dependent family members (spouse and children) on issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, personal issues etc.

·         Multiple modes of counseling: Counselling sessions can be conducted face-to-face, via video and/or the 24×7 toll free helpline, tailored to individual needs. 

• 24/7 Accessibility: Round-the-clock helpline and virtual assistance for immediate support and guidance. 

·         Digital Support: User-friendly “Wellness Corner” mobile app, which provides features such as mental wellness assessments, mood trackers, AI-based virtual therapy sessions, guided wellness programs, online chat and live/pre-recorded webinars.

·         Enhanced and Supplementary Tools: Personal wellness dashboards, health trackers, and discounts on health-related services. Enhanced tools for habit formation, goal setting and tracking.

 

Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager – HR & Marketing, Bank of Baroda said, “Recognising the importance of prioritising the holistic well-being of our employees, we at Bank of Baroda were pioneers in introducing the Employee Assistance Program way back in 2020 during the pandemic, which focusses  on mental health as well as physical health. This year, we have taken the initiative a step further and have rolled out an enhanced edition of the programme designed by Truworth Wellness, one of the leaders in this field. By investing in the overall health of our people and their immediate family members, we are progressing towards a future where employee wellness is an integral part of corporate culture, leading to a happier, healthier and more engaged workforce.”

 

Shri Rohit Chohan, Co-Founder & CEO of Truworth Wellness, said, “We are proud to partner with Bank of Baroda in this transformative initiative. Our holistic approach to wellness, combined with cutting-edge technology and personalised support, will empower Bank of Baroda employees to take charge of their well-being and flourish in all aspects of their lives. This partnership is yet another example of how corporate wellness is evolving in India – a multidimensional and inclusive approach, with an emphasis on proactive and preventive care.”

 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will also focus on aspects such as stress management using meditation and mindfulness for credit officers, addressing the emotional needs of women employees joining after taking a career break as well as mental health roadshows for EAP awareness amongst employees.

·         With this implementation, RuPayOn-The-Go enablesmulti-modal ticket payment acrossChennai Metro, MTC buses and Chennai Metro parking facilities

·         Addresses issues like long queues, need for exact change, and complex ticketing processes

 

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the organisation driving innovation and powering India's digital payment revolution, has partnered with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai's public bus service, to integrate RuPay On-The-Go, a contactless payment solution for transit. This integration allows commuters in Chennai to seamlessly travel between Chennai Metro to MTC buses and use Chennai Metro parking facilities with a single card. This initiative addresses common commuter issues such as long queues, need for exact change, and complex ticketing processes.

 

RuPay On-The-Go launched under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)program, simplifies public transit across multiple cities in India. It offers travelers a seamless, hassle-free, and contactless experience on metros and buses with a single card, marked by the distinctive RuPay contactless symbol. The card’s stored value ticketing allows users to load funds and use them across various transit modes. Additionally, the card supports offline transactions, making it perfect for use in metro tunnels and on moving buses, even without internet connectivity.

 

This widespread RuPay On-The-Go implementation positions Chennai as a leading city with a multi-modal transit system. It allows commuters to use their existing RuPay contactless debit, credit, or prepaid cards, fostering convenience and efficiency. Over 3.2 million daily commuters of Chennai MTC¹ will benefit from this efficient transit system. The MTC Singara Chennai One City One Card can be used in Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL), likewise the CMRL Singara Chennai One City One Card can be used in MTC bus network.

 

“With the integration of the RuPayOn-The-Go card across the MTC bus network, Chennai is taking a significant step towards a smarter, more efficient urban mobility ecosystem. This unified payment solution allows commuters to use a single, contactless card across multiple modes such as buses, metros, and parking facilities, making everyday travel faster, more convenient, and entirely cashless.” said Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products, NPCI.

 

“This partnership marks a transformative milestone for Chennai’s public transit system. By integrating the RuPay On-The-Go card across MTC buses and Chennai metro, we are offering our passengers a seamless multi-modal travel experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the lives of Chennai’s residents.” saidDr.Alby John Varghese,Managing Director, MTC Chennai.

 

Users can avail the RuPayOn-The-Go card, not just in Chennai, but also across a growing list of transit networks, including metros in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kanpur, as well as bus services in cities like Mumbai (B.E.S.T), Guwahati, Haryana, Jammu, Srinagar, Himachal and Aurangabad. For further information on obtaining a RuPay NCMC card, users can visit participating banks, metro stations, or designated offices to get started on their seamless transit journey.

 

RuPay has been at the forefront of advancing India's payment infrastructure through its state-of-the-art card payment network. RuPay cards also facilitate smooth transactions at merchant outlets and allows users flexibility to make UPI payments by linking the card with UPI-enabled apps through RuPay Credit Cards on UPI.

 

To know more about RupayOn-The-Goplease scan the QR code:

Source:

1.    Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd

 

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

• ACC and Adani Foundation’s Madukkarai team facilitates the PM SVANIDHI scheme, supporting nearly 400 street vendors with micro-credit assistance.
• Over Rs. 1.46 crore disbursed, with loans of up to Rs. 50,000 at subsidised rates, helping businesses recover.
• Through its flagship program Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika, the initiative promotes financial inclusion and self-sufficiency among small business owners.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation is empowering street vendors in Madukkarai by facilitating the Government of India's PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANIDHI) scheme. The Company, through this initiative, has supported nearly 400 vendors, helping them access crucial financial assistance to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

 

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s Madukkarai team has been facilitating various government schemes through its flagship programme, ‘Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika’ (MSMM). Since the beginning of the financial year, nearly 400 vendors in Madukkarai Municipality have applied for PM SVANIDHI loans. Of these, 290 vendors who successfully repaid earlier loans have been granted an additional loan of Rs. 50,000 at a subsidised rate. To date, Rs. 1.46 crore has been disbursed.

 

The PM SVANIDHI scheme provides micro-credit to urban street vendors, enabling them to recover and rebuild their businesses, especially after the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vendors, essential to the urban informal economy, offer goods and services at affordable prices, but many of them faced capital shortages. This scheme helps them restart their businesses and support their families.

Through this initiative, ACC strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion and grassroots entrepreneurship. The Foundation will continue working with local communities to provide essential resources, ensuring small business owners thrive and sustain their livelihoods.

In a bid to make Mahakumbh 2025 “Digitally enabled”, furthering PM Modi’s Digital India vision,Indus Towers, one of India’s leading telecom infrastructure providers is partnering with Uttar Pradesh State Government & Distt. Administration to ensure seamless connectivity to all pilgrims & people of Prayagraj during Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

 

The Kumbh Mela, held every six years, is the largest gathering of devotees travelling from across the world and an exemplary example of world-class public administration. Indus Towers is committed to enhance and augment uninterrupted communications by deploying 180 towers in Prayagraj. This includes 110 permanent towersaimed at providing long-term connectivity in the city. Additionally, 70 “Cell on Wheels” towers are being set up in critical areas within the Mahakumbh Mela grounds. The entire project is set to be completed by end of December 2024, ensuring robust and reliable network coverage.

 

Applauding the initiative Prayagraj District MagistrateMr. Ravindra Kumar Mandar( IAS ), said, “Mahakumbh Mela is a significant spiritual gathering for millions of devotees. Ahead of this auspicious occasion, we are delighted to see Indus Towers taking proactive steps to enhance connectivity in Prayagraj. The installation of 180 new towers will not only significantly improve communication but also enable new digital avenues.Millions of devoteeswill stay connected with their loved ones and access essential services seamlessly.”

 

“This initiative not only supports the success of Mahakumbh Mela but also contributes to the long-term development of the region. We commend Indus Towers for their commitment to strengthening connectivity and supporting the community.”

 

Tejinder Kalra, Chief Operating Officer at Indus Towers said, “As we prepare for the Mahakumbh Mela, we recognize the importance of uninterrupted connectivity for millions of devotees. Our partnership with the Mela Administration and Prayagraj district administration enables us to boost the city's telecom infrastructureand enhance the digital experience for the devotees to manoeuvre through the grounds of Prayagraj with seamless connectivity. This underscores Indus Tower’s commitment in delivering reliable and seamless network solutions where it mattersthe most.”

 

Mr. Neeraj Singh, UPE Circle's CEO, Indus Towers said, “Our commitment to enhancing connectivity for the Mahakumbh Mela is a crucial part of our efforts to ensure smooth communication for millions of pilgrims. We extend our gratitude to Mela Adhikari, Mr. Vijay Kiran Anand, and District Magistrate, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Mandar, for their invaluable support in facilitating the installation of these towers. This will not only ensure reliable communication throughout the Mela but will also enhance Prayagraj’s network infrastructure in the long run. At Indus Towers, we are dedicated to addressing connectivity challenges and delivering a robust and future-ready network for both residents and visitors.”

 

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj will be held from January 13 to February 26, 2025