NTPC Coal Mining Projects Shine Bright with Star Rating Awards for Sustainable Mining Excellence

NTPC’s Dulanga Coal Mining Project in Odisha and Talaipalli Coal Mining Project in Chhattisgarh have received Star Rating Awards under the category of Opencast mines at the Annual Star Rating of Coal Mines Awards of Ministry of Coal.

This achievement reflects their commitment towards best mining practices and environmental standards to promote sustainable mining.

While Dulanga Coal Mining has been awarded Star Rating (3rd rank) under the category of Opencast mines for the year 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, Talaipalli Coal Mining Project has also been awarded Star Rating (Achievers Rank) under Opencast category for the year 2019-20.

Shri Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel) and Shri Animesh Jain ,CEO, NML received the awards from Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs  at the Annual Star Rating of Coal Mines award ceremony held on 20th December in Delhi.

NTPC has conceptualized the development of all its mines as a “Model Mine” by adopting the best technological practices, integration of digital tools for operational efficiency, striving towards ‘Zero Incident potential”, promoting green footprints and setting benchmarks in the mining industry.

It has also fostered sustainable development of the area in and around its mining projects through skill development of youth, womenfolk, health, education, infrastructure building and other need-based initiatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space World Group Launches Their Next Venture, Constl – A Visionary Digital Network Infrastructure Service, After Brookfield-Backed Invit Acquires STIPL (Space Teleinfra Pvt. Ltd.)

In a bold leap towards the future, Space World group today announced the launch of Constl, a cutting-edge venture established in 2023. Focused on realizing an enduring vision, Constl is committed to providing world-class digital infrastructure solutions specifically tailored to connect people, businesses, and communities across the globe.

 

The launch comes in the backdrop of a landmark move in 2021 that proved to be a defining year for Space World Group as Brookfield-sponsored Tower Infrastructure Trust (Tower InvIT) successfully acquired Space Teleinfra Pvt Ltd (STIPL), valuing the acquisition at an impressive 150 million USD.

 

Embark on a Visionary Journey with Constl and empowering Digital Connectivity

In the wake of India’s rapid digital transformation, Constl is poised to empower businesses with comprehensive nationwide coverage, offering business critical connectivity infrastructure.
Currently in India, there is scarcity of good quality fiber as current fiber is built for access for dedicated customer set. There is a need for high-capacity and reliable network infrastructure which is flexible & scalable as per customer needs.

In alignment with the national objective of achieving Digital India, Constl is committed to empowering businesses with seamless and robust digital connectivity. The venture envisions providing unparalleled network infrastructure, facilitating top-notch data connectivity to propel businesses forward in the digital era.

 

Services Offered

 

Mr. Ankit Goel, Founder & Chairman of Space World Group stated, “Constl’s primary goal is to provide services that set the industry standard, aiming to stand out prominently among its peers. We want to give the flexibility of bandwidth specification, consumption model & scale at user convenience to our customers and business partners.

 

 

Key Offerings

The key services that they offer include on-demand services with ~100% uptime & low latency, configuration of paths and automated purchase of connectivity services. They also specialise in connecting key digital hubs and own their dedicated fiber network that provides for better control, quality, scalability & predictability of services.

 

Among other offerings they also provide dark fiber, private lines, low latency connectivity solutions, CLS black-haul and cloud interconnect services.

 

However, the most ground-breaking of all is their DIaaS (Digital Infrastructure as a Service) platform. With its engaging interface for handling all kinds of networking requirements, a customer-centric UI/UX providing transparency, control, analytics, speedy delivery of services, it is a unique platform that will give control to businesses. It is the only neutral platform in the market with its own high-end fiber assets; enabling it to provide best-in- class service to Telcos, OTTs, ISPs, Data Centers, government projects & more.

 

Radhey R Sharma, Co-Founder & Director of Space World Group talks of continued growth and connectivity excellence stating, “As a part of the Space World Group, Constl aligns itself with the group’s commitment to create a scalable, seamless, and unparalleled digital infrastructure. With its launch, we aim to solve the reliability, latency and scalability issues for our customers and business partners. The need for a reliable fiber connectivity infrastructure will now be more than ever owing to the evolution of generative AI models, Data Center expansions and 5G network rollouts. Constl plans to be the largest neutral optical fiber network player in the country inspired to simplify the connectivity business.”

 

Looking Ahead: A Connected Tomorrow

 

With the establishment of Constl, Space World Group positions itself at the forefront of the services offered to the telecommunications industry, shaping the future of connectivity in India. The Group continues to charter its course towards excellence, innovation, reliability, seamless customer experiences and a steadfast commitment to advancing digital connectivity infrastructure nationwide.

 

Timing is everything

Constl will be one of the largest digital connectivity infrastructure platform of India and has a capex plan of USD 500 mn

 

The data growth story being very promising in India, building a right platform at the right time becomes imperative. For the purpose, the business plan needs c. USD 500 mn. Space World Group is infusing initial capital in Constl for dark fiber roll-out and active infrastructure.

SpaceWorld has already started the roll out for c. 2,000 kms of fiber network in select Metro cities and National Long-Distance lines and significant capacity will be online by H1 CY2024. Also, they have made a significant progress towards the network interface readiness and started procurement of active network equipment. The company is getting an exceptional interest from the potential customers for the current roll-out and is working closely with their technology planning teams for route mapping.

 

Nestroots raises Pre-Seed round Led by Beyond Seed Singapore to Accelerate Growth and Global Expansion

Nestroots, a prominent new age home decor and lifestyle brand, announces a fundraise of ₹3 crores, led by BeyondSeed Singapore, with investment expertly handled by Bestvantage Investments. This infusion of capital comes on the heels of Nestroots projecting an impressive year-on-year double-digit growth, cementing its formidable standing in the burgeoning Indian home decor market.

 

Arjun Vaidya, Marquee D2C mentor & investor, has participated in the round and has also come on board as a mentor.

 

Nestroots, dedicated to excellence in design, quality, and accessibility, is set to leverage this funding to fortify its online dominance with diverse product ranges by introducing new categories like Kids’ Furniture and Bigger Furniture alongside an expansive range of Decor. Additionally, with a keen eye on global markets, Nestroots’ ambitious international expansion plans over the next five years include venturing into strategic territories, including the US, Canada, and the UAE, marking a significant milestone in its international presence. Alongside, the brand aims to bolster its offline footprint through Shop-In-Shops (SIS) and Multi-Brand Outlets (MBOs). This growth aligns with the brand’s vision of becoming the ultimate ‘Home-Everything’ destination.

 

Nestroots plans to set itself apart in India’s 32 Billion USD thriving Home Decor industry, projected to reach USD 39.44 Bn by 2027 with a CAGR of 4.18%[1]  by offering unique designs, superior quality, and budget-friendly pricing. The brand has fast become the top choice for consumers seeking affordable luxury in home decor, which the company labels’ Luxury on a Budget.’

 

“Recognising the need for comprehensive home solutions, Nestroots aspires to be the ultimate ‘Home-Everything’ in India’s thriving home decor market. We are committed to becoming the go-to destination for all home essentials and the recent fundraise strategically places us to diversify our product categories and become a favourable Brand amongst consumers across India. Looking forward, over the next five years, we plan to showcase the richness of Indian design with international aesthetics, offering premium designs at accessible prices”, said Chhavi Singh, Founder and CEO of Nestroots.

 

“This significant investment propels Nestroots towards new heights. It strengthens our financial foundation and fuels our ambition to be the foremost destination for home decor. Our goal extends beyond products; it’s about making Nestroots a symbol of trust and excellence amongst consumers, fulfilling our grand vision of becoming the market leader, not just in India but also in the global markets”, said Shekhar Godiyal, Co-Founder and COO of Nestroots.

 

“The landscape for India’s furniture and decor market has drastically evolved in the last decade. We are excited to back the team at Nestroots who are focused on capitalising on the fast-changing consumer trends and right use of technology to take their platform to scale”, said Kuldeep Mirani, Co-Founder & CEO of Beyond Seed Venture Solutions, a Singapore- based early-stage investor.

 

Nestroots earned national acclaim with a ₹50 Lakhs investment for 2% equity from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India Season 2, propelling the brand to establish a solid online presence across significant e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Pepperfry, and Myntra, in addition to its official D2C website. With a revitalised vision and fresh funding, the brand is set to fortify its market standing and revolutionise the home decor industry. It remains steadfast in its commitment to crafting homes beautifully and offers consumers an unparalleled selection that harmoniously combines aesthetics, quality, and affordability.

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Raffles Udaipur Presents “Toast to 2024”: A Luxurious Two-Day New Year Extravaganza

As the world anticipates the arrival of 2024, Raffles Udaipur cordially invites you to experience Toast to 2024, an exquisite two-day celebration, unfolding on the serene canvas of their private island. Here, amidst the splendour of timeless elegance and bespoke services, Raffles Udaipur promises an unrivalled New Years’ experience.

 

Commence your journey into the New Year with a touch of grandeur. As you step into the realm of Raffles Udaipur, the Lakeshore welcome and majestic boat ride to the mystical island sets the tone for the opulent experience that awaits.On the 30thand 31stof December, embrace the allure of the gracious Flamingo Signature Room with Garden at an exclusive special rate. Find respite in the lap of luxury, where tranquillity meets indulgence.

 

Prepare for an opulent dining experience at The Dining Room, where culinary maestros craft an exquisite feast inspired by the flavors of the season. Delight your senses with a curated selection of premium liquors available all day to complement your meal. Join our esteemed General Manager for an intimate cocktail get together at the Palladian Gate on December 31st. Travel through the enchanting Great Park, where a vibrant New Year’s celebration awaits, resonating with melodious tunes, captivating dance, and boundless high spirits. Embark on a gourmet journey with an extravagant Gala Dinner, accompanied by an endless variety of beverages, ensuring a night of nothing but luxury and indulgence.

 

Families are invited to enjoy a dedicated Kids Entertainment Area, ensuring a delightful and family-friendly celebration. Dance into the New Year with a live band performance, followed by the rhythmic beats of the talented singer Mansheel Gujral and DJ Lavnish and feel the energy of the night as you welcome the dawn of 2024.

 

Toast to 2024 Inclusions on 31st December:

  • Lunch at The Dining Room
  • Liquor for all meal periods
  • Cocktails with GM on 31st December at the Palladian Gate
  • New Year Party at Great Park
  • Gala Dinner and Drinks
  • Kids Entertainment Area
  • Live Performance Band
  • Live DJ

 

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to make your New Year’s celebration truly exceptional. Secure your Flamingo Signature Room with Garden for both the 30th and 31st of December, and let Raffles Udaipur redefine your expectations of luxury and indulgence, while you bid adieu to 2023 in style.

Magma HDI Drives Insurance Awareness with Women’s Bike Rally across Kerala

Magma HDI launched the ‘Women’s Motorcycle Rally’ as a part of its insurance awareness campaign “Insurance Edutho?” in Kerala. Magma HDI was appointed the lead insurer for Kerala by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) under its’ State Insurance Plan to achieve the vision of Insurance for all by the year 2047.

 

The rally includes three women riders Dr. Sana, Aleena, and Shamna, and a few Magma HDI employees who will navigate the roads of Kerala, commencing their journey from Thiruvananthapuram this Wednesday. This three-day rally involves engaging in conversations with residents, elucidating the indispensable role of insurance. The riders will also distribute informative reading material on insurance on their way to Kochi.

 

After an inaugural event, the rally was flagged off by the Chief Guest, Mr. S. Sreejith IPS, Transport Commissioner, Government of Kerala, symbolizing a harmonious collaboration between governmental bodies and corporate entities.

 

“In Kerala, 32% of vehicles are uninsured. This rally is organized to make people aware of the importance of insurance and help them get insured. The motor vehicle department aims to achieve 100% insurance for all vehicles. Insurance has become so important, and apart from vehicles, people should be aware of the importance of insurance for their other assets as well. This initiative is an effort to make it a reality.” said S. Sreejith IPS, Transport Commissioner, Govt. of Kerala.

 

Mr. Amit Bhandari, Chief Technical Officer – Magma HDI, expressed the company’s dedication to the cause, stating, “The Women’s Motorcycle Rally is a unique blend of empowerment and education. Through this event, Magma HDI aims to inspire women while creating awareness about the critical role insurance plays in safeguarding one’s financial well-being. We are honored to carry out this mandate from IRDAI and are confident that the rally will catalyze increased insurance awareness in the state.”

 

Low insurance awareness has been cited as one of the key reasons for low insurance penetration. Magma HDI’s Insurance liya kya campaign which colloquially translates to “Insurance Edutho?”, aims to kindle curiosity and foster meaningful dialogues about insurance within the public. Through open conversations and thought-provoking questions – Insurance Edutho?, Magma HDI seeks to drive a domino effect to build a well-informed community. The company has a digital knowledge resource (www.insuranceedutho.com) offering comprehensive information on the topic of general insurance.

 

Magma HDI General Insurance has been one of the fastest-growing GI companies, with a CAGR of 45% in the last three years. The company’s solvency stands at 1.81 times as of 31st December 2020, against the required regulatory solvency of 1.5 times. For the 9MFY21 period ending Dec’20, the company recorded a Profit After Tax of Rs 22.3 Crore on a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs 911.2 Crore compared to Rs 7.3 Crore PAT on a GWP of Rs 948.5 Crore, the same period last year. As of December, ’20, the investment book stands at a robust level of Rs 2,881 Crore.

 

About Magma HDI – Magma HDI General Insurance Company Limited: Sanoti Properties LLP, an entity jointly held by Adar Poonawalla (90%) and Rising Sun Holdings Pvt Ltd (10%), holds 74.5% of the Company. With over 70 products across various categories, we have solutions to secure all major risks in the general insurance sphere. From retail products like Motor (Car, Two-wheeler, Commercial Vehicles, Tractors), Health, Personal Accident, and Home to commercial products like Fire, Engineering, Liability, and Marine, our wide array of covers coupled with high-quality and agile service delivery have been the pillars of our foundation.

 

BIMTECH Introduces Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence & Data Science (AI&DS) Course to Meet Growing Industry Demand

Global markets are witnessing a raise in demand of AI-trained professionals. Leading Indian IT companies have also lately made the decision to train more than 4 lakh workers for jobs involving AI. Understanding this industry need, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has launched a “Two-year full-time Post Graduate Diploma in Management [PGDM] in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science.” The program aims to provide an amalgamation of artificial intelligence and data science technology with Management subjects in different domains, promote engagement between industry and academia at both national and international levels, and establish a group of Management professionals who possess a combination of technical expertise, analytical capabilities, and effective decision-making abilities.

 

This is a 24-month program. Students who successfully complete the PGDM will be qualified to work on cutting-edge AI projects in fields like finance, education, automotive, retail, entertainment, cybersecurity, and sustainable conservation along with other verticals such as managing financial portfolios, developing and deploying smart logistics systems and creating recommender systems for e-commerce etc using AI. AI is expected to be adopted by 75% of companies and is projected to lead to high churn, with 50% of organizations expecting it to drive job growth.

 

 Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director, BIMTECH, said, “In India, demand for AI and Data Science professionals is expected to exceed 1 million by 2024, and there is currently a 51% gap between demand and supply for such professionals. Experts predict that by 2030, there will be a 31.4% increase in jobs related to Data Science and mathematical science, mostly AI-based.”

 

Prof. SS Dubey, Dean-Academics, BIMTECH, said, “By integrating AI and DS with management education, students will acquire a multifaceted skill set that transcends conventional boundaries. The fusion of these domains will empower learners to decipher complex data patterns, drive innovative strategies, and make informed data-driven decisions. This fusion is the key to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape, positioning individuals as trailblazers capable of navigating the intricacies of tomorrow’s business world.”

 

The program’s focus is to produce visionary leaders adept at utilizing AI-driven strategies to solve real-world business challenges. The program’s comprehensive approach, integrating theoretical foundations with hands-on experience, ensures graduates possess the agility and expertise required to navigate the dynamic AI landscape.