Environmentalist Malhar Kalambe bags National Creators Award 2024

Malhar Kalambe, renowned Environmentalist and Founder of Beach Please, has been honored with the prestigious National Creators Award 2024 for his outstanding environmental conservation and sustainability contributions. The award ceremony was held at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Delhi and was presented to Malhar by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recognizing his exceptional contributions to environmental conservation and the fight against plastic pollution. The awards recognized Malhar’s persistent efforts in fostering positive environmental change and inspiring communities and celebrities to take action towards a greener future. The Swachhata Ambassador Award is a testament to Malhar Kalambe’s remarkable leadership and serves as a motivation for others to join the movement for a better world towards a cleaner and greener future.

 

With an unwavering commitment since 2017, to protect the planet, Malhar has emerged as a motivational icon for the youth of today fighting against climate change and environmental degradation. Through his organization, Beach Please, Malhar has spearheaded various initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices, biodiversity conservation, and raising awareness about the importance of environment conservation. For over six years, Malhar Kalambe has been leading the charge in raising awareness and actively engaging volunteers through various initiatives conducted by Beach Please India.

 

As a young achiever at the National Creator Award, Malhar joins a remarkable panel of change makers and innovators who are shaping a better world through their creativity, passion, and dedication. In addition to his advocacy work, Malhar Kalambe is a passionate advocate for sustainable development and has been instrumental in influencing policy changes to address environmental challenges at local, national, and international levels.

 

Sharing the immense excitement about this win Vinay Pillai, Senior VP – Clout and Head of Strategy – Pocket Aces, “We are thrilled to witness Malhar being honored with the prestigious National Creator Awards receiving recognition for his extraordinary dedication to environmental advocacy. His innovative approach to sustainability and passion for protecting the environment serve as an inspiration to us all. Malhar’s vision has been instrumental in driving positive change, to encourage a sustainable future for future generations. We are so proud of him and wish him more power and success in the years to come. “

 

Expressing his warm gratitude, Malhar Kalambe said “I am deeply honored to receive the National Creator Award by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, “This award is a testament to the collective efforts of all those who have supported and contributed to our mission at Beach Please. Together, we have demonstrated the transformative impact that individuals and communities can have on the planet when we unite in pursuit of a common goal. This recognition will reinforce our mission to bring a positive change in the world. We encourage everyone to join hands in our mission as a collective action can only help address these environmental challenges. We wish to raise this awareness globally and seek participation from all sectors of society across the globe.”

NephroPlus solidifies presence in Philippines with the acquisition of Renal Therapy Solutions Inc. (RTSI)

NephroPlus, a multinational leader in dialysis care and Asia’s largest dialysis network announces the recent acquisition of Renal Therapy Solutions Inc. (RTSI), a well-known dialysis network with six clinics in Philippines.

 

With a strong presence in India, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines, NephroPlus’ mission is the unwavering commitment to quality guest care where, the organization believes in touching and transforming the lives of people on dialysis, enabling them to lead long, happy, and productive lives.

This month, World Kidney Day is being celebrated with the theme ‘Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.’ As World Kidney Day approaches, NephroPlus is reinforcing its dedication to delivering outstanding guest care for dialysis patients. This strategic move further strengthens its position in Philippines as the third largest dialysis network, with 27 clinics with new coverage in Luzon and Visayas.

Mr. Vikram Vuppala, Founder and CEO – NephroPlus stated, “Our shared commitment to improving chronic kidney patient lives through patient-centric, efficient, and quality healthcare is the foundation of our 14-year journey globally and 3-year journey in the Philippines. We remain focused on delivering high quality dialysis to the people of the Philippines. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in NephroPlus’ global expansion strategy, solidifying its presence in the Philippines. The addition of RTSI’s six well-established clinics enhances NephroPlus’ ability to reach and serve a broader community, particularly in key locations such as Caloocan, Novaliches, Bacolod, Mindoro, and Bohol.”

Mr. Michael Velasco Bernabe, RTSI said, “In tandem with NephroPlus, our shared mission is to elevate the quality of life for dialysis patients. Together, our commitment is to deliver patient-centric and unparalleled dialysis care, serving the people of the Philippines with excellence.”

BPCL to Pioneer Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) Production in Chhattisgarh

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Fortune 500 Maharatna Energy Conglomerate, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday between BPCL, the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority, and Municipal Corporations of Raipur and Bhilai for the production of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) in Chhattisgarh, marking a transformative leap towards a cleaner and greener future.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, BPCL, a central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), will spearhead the establishment of CBG plants in Raipur and Bhilai with an investment of approximately Rs 100 crore each. These state-of-the-art plants will boast a processing capacity of 100-150 tonnes per day, harnessing the potential of municipal solid waste to produce biofuel.

 

The MoU signing ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of Honorable Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao at the former’s official residence. Chief Minister Sai underscored the pivotal role of CBG plants in fostering clean cities, clean energy, and zero carbon emissions, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

Approximately 200-250 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste will be utilized daily in the production of biofuel, laying the foundation for a sustainable and circular economy. Moreover, the establishment of these plants is poised to generate approximately 60,000 man-days of employment directly and indirectly every year, bolstering economic growth and livelihoods in the region.

 

Highlighting the economic benefits of the initiative, Chief Minister Sai noted that the state stands to receive GST revenue to the tune of Rs 45 lakh per year upon production and sale at full capacity. Additionally, the plants will yield organic fertilizer as a valuable by-product, furthering the state’s efforts towards promoting organic farming and agricultural sustainability.

 

The MoU was formally signed by key stakeholders including Shri Devesh Kumar Dhruv, Commissioner of Bhilai Municipal Corporation, Shri Avinash Mishra, Commissioner of Raipur Municipal Corporation , Shri Anurag Saraogi, Chief General Manager -Biofuel, and Shri Sumit Sarkar, Chief Executive Officer of Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority.

 

BPCL is committed to driving positive change and embracing sustainable energy solutions, leveraging its expertise and resources to catalyze the transition towards a cleaner and greener future for all.

TIFA 2024: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence with Australia as the Focus Country

The city of Bengaluru is set to host the prestigious Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) from March 14-17 2024, organized by the dedicated students of RV University. This year, TIFA takes pride in announcing the participation of Australia, with the gracious presence of Ms Hilary McGeachy, Consul General, and Dr Hyung Min Kim, Deputy Consul General, from the Australian Consulate-General, Bengaluru.

The presence of esteemed officials from the Australian Consulate-General will add an extra layer of international flair to this cinematic extravaganza. The event will witness the convergence of creative minds and industry leaders, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration between India and Australia in filmmaking.

Mr. N. Vidya Shankar, Festival Director of the Bangalore International Film Festival was the Chief Guest for TIFA 2024’s inaugural curtain raiser. The event was also attended by Ms. Maya Chandra, Trustee, Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust (RSST) along with the Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice Chancellor, RVU, Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Roy, Dean, School of Film, Media and Creative Arts and other members of the faculty and guests.

TIFA 2024 has carefully curated a selection of 14 outstanding films from Australia, showcasing the diverse and vibrant storytelling from down under. The festival’s opening film, ‘The Song Keepers’, directed by the talented Naina Sen, promises to be a captivating experience, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration of cinema with Australia as the focus country.

Highlighting the importance of film festivals, Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Roy, Professor and Founding Dean, School of Film, Media and Creative Arts, said, “What had started as an experiment with 25 films has become a global film festival in the third year with 300 entries from six continents. TIFA, in its third edition has truly emerged as India’s largest student-led global film festival dedicated to teenage and young adult filmmakers. The festival also focuses on being an all-around destination for thinking about cinema and its influence today, through panel discussions on emerging themes and evolving representations in the media and entertainment industry, film-themed book launches and masterclasses by film industry achievers.”

Complimenting Dean, Dr. Piyush Roy and his team for the exponential growth of TIFA 2024, Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice Chancellor, RV University said, “I am delighted to see how the Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) has evolved over the past 3 years. TIFA stands as a unique platform recognising creativity and filmmaking excellence among young film makers across the world. It is a moment of immense satisfaction to see TIFA listed on FilmFreeway, alongside prestigious international film festivals. With over 300 submissions from six continents in its third edition, TIFA has indeed emerged as a major international platform for showcasing talent and creativity. The event fosters interdisciplinary collaboration within RVU, engaging students and faculty from diverse schools. This

 

This year, students from the Schools of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Design and Innovation, Business, and Computer Science Engineering have curated the event with great enthusiasm. I extend my appreciation to all participants for their enthusiastic contribution.”

Impressed by the growth of TIFA 2024, Chief Guest Mr N. Vidya Shankar, Festival Director of the Bangalore International Film Festival highlighted, “The contemporary world is better represented and understood through cinema than any other medium. Unlike literature, which facilitates contemplation, cinema allows for immediate expression and understanding of a society’s core issues. Filmmakers, particularly young talents, provide hope and maturity in their content, offering a lens into societal challenges. India lacks an abundance of film schools compared to other nations, making initiatives like the RVU’s film festival all the more impressive. Such platforms, which showcase the works of young filmmakers to a global audience, are a privilege that will revolutionize film education in India, fostering a new generation of skilled storytellers.”

Over the four days, TIFA 2024 will feature more than 300 films from 30 countries, turning Bengaluru into a melting pot of cinematic excellence. Attendees can look forward to engaging in master classes, film discussions, and various other activities led by a panel of 25 distinguished speakers, contributing to the educational and inspirational aspects of the festival.

Established in 2022 by the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts at RV University, TIFA aims to provide a platform for young and emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals. The festival has garnered global attention, attracting teenagers from around the world who share a passion for filmmaking and storytelling.

As TIFA continues to grow, it remains committed to its core mission of nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and promoting cross-cultural understanding through the art of cinema. The collaborative efforts between India and Australia in TIFA 2024 promise an enriching experience for film enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Event: Teen Indie Film Awards 2024

Date: 14 to 17 March 2024

Location/Venue:

14 March: RV University campus (Film studio, IEM Auditorium)

15 March: RV University: campus (MCA, Film Studio)

16 March: Mangala Mantapa, NMKRV Campus, 3rd Block Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560011

17 March: Morning: RV University campus

17 March: Award ceremony at Mangala Mantapa, NMKRV Campus, 3rd Block Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560011

 

Registration for delegate pass (₹250): https://forms.gle/JyXRxVb8kMgjLwBe7

The delegate pass includes masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions.

On-spot registrations will be open on 14th March from 10-1 pm.

For more information, including schedules and ticket purchases, please visit the official website: https://bit.ly/49qAmfu

Infibeam Avenues’ CCAvenue becomes First Indian Payment Gateway Player to Secure eMSP Payment Technical Service Provider Approval from SAMA (Saudi Payments) Also Forges Payment Processing Partnership MOU with Saudi Arabia’s Premier Bank – SAB (Saudi Awwal Bank)

 

Infibeam Avenues Ltd, a listed AI-powered fintech company, today announced a significant milestone achieved by its international subsidiary Infibeam Avenues Saudi Arabia (“Company”). Infibeam Avenues has become the first Indian fintech player to receive PTSP Certification from the SAMA (Saudi Payments) to operate as a Payment Processor (PTSP – Payment Technical Service Provider) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

 

In a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning digital economy of Saudi Arabia, Infibeam Avenues has now geared up to capitalise on the market’s exponential growth potential. Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and with the government’s 2030 vision and a target of receiving 130 million tourists a year, the digital economy is now on track for exponential growth.

 

Post-certification, the company’s flagship payment brand -CCAvenue will establish itself as one of the major payment gateway (PTSP) player for digital transactions in Saudi Arabian market. The company’s CCAvenue payment gateway solution has done data localisation and hosting within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as well as secured PTSP processing approval from the authorities.

 

Expressing his confidence in the company’s ability to harness the rapid growth in the Kingdom, Mr Vishwas Patel, Joint Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Ltd, said “Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing digital economies, and we not only expect to capitalize on the growth potential in this market but also play a constructive role in building a digital payment empowered society. We believe that our aim is naturally aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision.”

 

The remarks highlight Infibeam Avenues’ commitment to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious initiative that aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and build a thriving digital ecosystem. As Saudi Arabia races towards becoming a leading digital economy, Infibeam Avenues aims to leverage its expertise and innovative solutions to facilitate the transition towards a more digitally empowered society.

 

According to a recent report, the proportion of digital payments in Saudi Arabia has reached 62%, coming close to the country’s target of 70% by the end of 2025. The Kingdom has seen a notable increase in the use of mobile payments, constituting approximately 45% of transactions, primarily driven by mobile-based NFC payments. Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is undergoing significant growth, evidenced by more than 8 billion transactions valued at SR1.6 trillion in 2022. This marks a substantial increase from around SR6 billion transactions recorded in 2021.

 

In the MENA region, Company’s payment brand -CCAvenue, is the second-largest payment aggregator in the UAE market and has been processing payments at an annual run-rate of AED 12 billion in FY22-23. In the current fiscal year, the run-rate has crossed AED 14 billion and is anticipated to conclude at AED 18 billion in transactions amount by end of 2024

 

In tandem with this achievement, Infibeam’s Company is also proud to announce its partnership with SAB, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading banks. This partnership is poised to further enhance the financial ecosystem in the Kingdom by leveraging Infibeam’s cutting-edge technology and SAB’s extensive banking expertise.

 

“We are very proud to partner with SAB one of the leading eCommerce acquiring banks to ensure that businesses in Saudi Arabia enjoy a range of domestic and international benefits that will enable them to deliver the seamless, secure eCommerce experience consumers are seeking,” adds Mr Vishwas Patel.

 

Partnering with SAB Bank will allow CCAvenue leverage bank’s market dominance and tap into its vast reach within the Saudi Arabia for enabling consumers, merchants and fintech’s across the Kingdom with its innovative payment solutions.

 

“Infibeam Avenues is investing in global assets, infrastructure, and digital capabilities to support businesses in digital transformation and the Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of building a thriving digital economy and a 70% cashless society as it’s a huge opportunity for digital payments,” said Mr. Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Limited.

 

Last year, the company took steps to expand its global operations, aiming for worldwide leadership in the digital payment gateway and AI-powered fintech solutions markets. Despite international business contributing less than 10% to Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s total revenue last year, the company anticipates raising this to 30% in the coming years.

 

Now, with the payment processor approval in Saudi Arabia and simultaneously, partnering with SAB Bank, Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s flagship payment gateway brand CCAvenue is expected to scale its digital innovative fintech product offerings as well as on-board larger number of entrepreneurs and merchants onto its fold.

 

The Saudi Central Bank, was previously known as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), was established in 1952, and is the central bank of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB Bank) is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years.

Infibeam Avenues Ltd, a listed AI-powered fintech company, today announced a significant milestone achieved by its international subsidiary Infibeam Avenues Saudi Arabia (“Company”). Infibeam Avenues has become the first Indian fintech player to receive PTSP Certification from the SAMA (Saudi Payments) to operate as a Payment Processor (PTSP – Payment Technical Service Provider) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

 

In a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning digital economy of Saudi Arabia, Infibeam Avenues has now geared up to capitalise on the market’s exponential growth potential. Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and with the government’s 2030 vision and a target of receiving 130 million tourists a year, the digital economy is now on track for exponential growth.

 

Post-certification, the company’s flagship payment brand -CCAvenue will establish itself as one of the major payment gateway (PTSP) player for digital transactions in Saudi Arabian market. The company’s CCAvenue payment gateway solution has done data localisation and hosting within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as well as secured PTSP processing approval from the authorities.

 

Expressing his confidence in the company’s ability to harness the rapid growth in the Kingdom, Mr Vishwas Patel, Joint Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Ltd, said “Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing digital economies, and we not only expect to capitalize on the growth potential in this market but also play a constructive role in building a digital payment empowered society. We believe that our aim is naturally aligned with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision.”

 

The remarks highlight Infibeam Avenues’ commitment to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious initiative that aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and build a thriving digital ecosystem. As Saudi Arabia races towards becoming a leading digital economy, Infibeam Avenues aims to leverage its expertise and innovative solutions to facilitate the transition towards a more digitally empowered society.

 

According to a recent report, the proportion of digital payments in Saudi Arabia has reached 62%, coming close to the country’s target of 70% by the end of 2025. The Kingdom has seen a notable increase in the use of mobile payments, constituting approximately 45% of transactions, primarily driven by mobile-based NFC payments. Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is undergoing significant growth, evidenced by more than 8 billion transactions valued at SR1.6 trillion in 2022. This marks a substantial increase from around SR6 billion transactions recorded in 2021.

 

In the MENA region, Company’s payment brand -CCAvenue, is the second-largest payment aggregator in the UAE market and has been processing payments at an annual run-rate of AED 12 billion in FY22-23. In the current fiscal year, the run-rate has crossed AED 14 billion and is anticipated to conclude at AED 18 billion in transactions amount by end of 2024.

 

 

 

 

SAB Bank Tie-up:

Mr Vishwas Patel, Joint MD, Infibeam Avenues Ltd with SAB Bank officials at MOU signing ceremony.

 

In tandem with this achievement, Infibeam’s Company is also proud to announce its partnership with SAB, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading banks. This partnership is poised to further enhance the financial ecosystem in the Kingdom by leveraging Infibeam’s cutting-edge technology and SAB’s extensive banking expertise.

 

“We are very proud to partner with SAB one of the leading eCommerce acquiring banks to ensure that businesses in Saudi Arabia enjoy a range of domestic and international benefits that will enable them to deliver the seamless, secure eCommerce experience consumers are seeking,” adds Mr Vishwas Patel.

 

Partnering with SAB Bank will allow CCAvenue leverage bank’s market dominance and tap into its vast reach within the Saudi Arabia for enabling consumers, merchants and fintech’s across the Kingdom with its innovative payment solutions.

 

“Infibeam Avenues is investing in global assets, infrastructure, and digital capabilities to support businesses in digital transformation and the Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of building a thriving digital economy and a 70% cashless society as it’s a huge opportunity for digital payments,” said Mr. Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Limited.

 

Last year, the company took steps to expand its global operations, aiming for worldwide leadership in the digital payment gateway and AI-powered fintech solutions markets. Despite international business contributing less than 10% to Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s total revenue last year, the company anticipates raising this to 30% in the coming years.

 

Now, with the payment processor approval in Saudi Arabia and simultaneously, partnering with SAB Bank, Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s flagship payment gateway brand CCAvenue is expected to scale its digital innovative fintech product offerings as well as on-board larger number of entrepreneurs and merchants onto its fold.

 

The Saudi Central Bank, was previously known as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), was established in 1952, and is the central bank of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB Bank) is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years.

IIT Kanpur researchers unveil new insights into working mechanism of cholesterol lowering drugs through advanced molecular visualization

An important study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur’s Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering has led to new insights into understanding how cholesterol-lowering drugs like Niacin work at a molecular level. Utilizing the cutting-edge cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technology, the team, led by Prof. Arun K. Shukla, were able to visualize the key target receptor molecule activated by Niacin and other related drugs. The research, which has the potential to lead to the development of new drugs to lower cholesterol with fewer side effects, has been published in the prestigious international journal, Nature Communications.

 

Prof. Arun K. Shukla of the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, IIT Kanpur said, “Niacin is a commonly prescribed drug to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol. However, in many patients, the drug causes side effects such as skin redness and itching, referred to as flushing response. This leads to patients stopping their treatment with adverse effect on their cholesterol levels.”

 

The Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), also known as the niacin receptor or GPR109A is a type of receptor in the human bodies that helps stop fat-related and artery-clogging processes. When it is activated, it can also make the blood vessels widen, which is why some cholesterol-lowering drugs like niacin lead to some patients experiencing a red, flushing skin reaction.

 

Prof. Shukla added, “The visualization of the receptor molecule GPR109A’s interaction with Niacin at the molecular level lays the groundwork for creating new drugs that maintain efficacy while minimizing undesirable reactions. The study results will also help in developing related drugs for cholesterol and drugs for other conditions such as multiple sclerosis.”

 

Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “This is an important breakthrough as it deepens our understanding of drug-receptor interactions and opens new avenues for the design of better therapeutic agents. This achievement exemplifies our dedication to addressing real-world health challenges through innovation and excellence in research. The acceptance of the research for publication is a testament to the quality and high standards of R&D at IIT Kanpur.”

 

The study, supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and spearheaded by Prof. Arun K Shukla at IIT Kanpur, involved Dr. Manish Yadav, Ms. Parishmita Sarma, Mr. Jagannath Maharana, Mr. Manisankar Ganguly, Ms. Sudha Mishra, Ms. Annu Dalal, Mr. Nashrah Zaidi, Mr. Sayantan Saha, Ms. Gargi Mahajan, Mr. Vinay Singh, Ms. Saloni Sharma, and Dr. Ramanuj Banerjee.