EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         Ambuja Cements leads plastic waste management initiative in Vadnagar by organising local waste collectors into a Self-Help Group (SHG) for effective waste collection and recycling.

·         The initiative provides both environmental benefits and a sustainable livelihood for the community.

·         Ambuja Cements is leading the way in integrating community-driven waste management with corporate sustainability goals

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, with the support of its CSR team has been a key player in promoting sustainable waste management practices at Vadnagar village, in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat.

As part of the Lighthouse Initiative, the company’s CSR team and Vadnagar Gram Panchayat have mobilised the local community to take charge of plastic waste management by forming a Self-Help Group (SHG) of waste collectors. The SHG has been integral in collecting and segregating plastic waste, which is then repurposed by Ambuja Cements as alternative fuel at its Ambujanagar plant, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The initiative has not only reduced the plastic burden on the environment but also created a source of livelihood for community members. By incentivising the collection of plastic waste, Ambuja Cements has empowered the community, ensuring that waste management remains sustainable and community owned.

This initiative demonstrates Ambuja Cements’ commitment to both environmental sustainability and social welfare, positioning the company as a leader in community-driven waste management solutions.

Ambuja Cements continues to expand this initiative across Gujarat, ensuring that rural waste management remains a cornerstone of the company’s broader mission for environmental excellence and community empowerment.

indal (India) Limited, part of prestigious B.C. Jindal Group and one of the leading downstream steel products manufacturers in India, has further consolidated its pan-India market presence by capturing 30 per cent share in Assam’s coated steel segment. The company, which maintains strong nationwide leadership across multiple steel product categories, has also achieved 22 per cent market share in Assam’s colour coated steel segment, reinforcing its dominant position across India.

Building on its 70-year legacy of excellence, Jindal (India) Limited’s growth in Assam was driven by its flagship brand Jindal Sabrang, which has established itself as a trusted name across India. The company’s premium offering, Jindal Neucolor+, continues to gain significant traction nationwide, including strong acceptance in Assam. In the half year ended September 2024, the company’s innovative “Jindalume” (Aluminium-Zinc Bare Galvalume coils and sheets) witnessed particularly strong demand in Assam, complementing its robust performance across other markets.

Sharing insights on the business growth, Jindal (India) Limited’s spokesperson said, “As a leading national player in India’s downstream steel sector, we continue to strengthen our pan-India presence while achieving significant milestones across key markets. Our leadership position spans multiple regions, with particularly strong performance in the East and South markets. Assam represents approximately 15 per cent of our coated steel business, demonstrating the effectiveness of our nationwide market penetration strategy.”

The company’s two state-of-the-art production facilities near Kolkata serve markets across India. Recently announced strategic capacity expansion of 0.6 Million MT, marking a 60 percent increase from current capacity of 1 Million MT per annum with a capex of INR 1500 crore, will further strengthen Jindal (India) Limited’s national leadership. This expansion will enhance production capabilities for coated flat products, enabling diversification into new segments like solar and home appliances, while supporting import substitution across India.

A large part of North-East India, including Assam, has a hilly terrain which generates a robust demand for coated steel products for roofing and other construction needs, making it a natural market for the company, the spokesperson added.

Jindal (India) Limited offers a range of advanced coated steel products, each designed to meet the specific demands of various industries while ensuring high performance and durability. Among these, Jindal Sabrang, redefines the aesthetics of steel by introducing a vibrant array of colour-coated options with exceptional corrosion resistance in outdoor applications. Jindal Sabrang adds a visual appeal that extends the functionality of steel beyond its typical uses.

Jindal NeuColor+ represents the pinnacle of premium coated steel products, offering a combination of advanced technology, aesthetic versatility, and long-lasting durability. This product is engineered with a special coating process that includes the use of SMP, SDF, and PVDF, in addition to RMP, resulting in a steel sheet that is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and colour fading.

Key attendees at the event included HGTA President Ajay Sharma, HGTA Vice President Vineel, NORR Project Director Col. Girishwar, HGCL DGMs Chandrashekar and Rizwan, and AGM Meenakshi, among others.

~ In his new role, he will be responsible for driving global engagements and stregthen ties between India & Australia

The University of Melbournetoday announced the appointment of Professor MuthupandianAshokkumar as Directorof the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi.Professor Ashokkumar brings a wealth of experience in international education and organisational leadership, with previous roles as Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), Head of School of Chemistry, Acting Director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and Associate Dean International at the University’s Faculty of Science.

In his new role,he will lead the University's strategic initiatives, outreach, and collaborations within India, fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, industry leaders, and other sector-specific entities to reinforce the commitment to the India-Australia bilateral relationship.

In his capacity, he will continue to pursue the advancement of Transnational Education (TNE), Transnational Research (TNR), and Community Engagement initiatives designed to foster reciprocal societal benefits, sustained growth, and cultural exchange for both nations.

Congratulating Ashok on his appointment, Professor Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor of University of Melbourne, said, “Professor Ashokkumar's appointment marks an important moment for our engagement with India. His expertise and passion for transnational partnerships will shape the future of education and research between India and Australia. I look forward to seeing how Professor Ashokkumar will lead meaningful collaborations that inspire and empower future generations.”

Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture, and Engagement) University of Melbourneexpressed his enthusiasm for Professor Ashokkumar’s appointment.

“Professor Ashokkumar is deeply respected by his peers and students alike. He represents the essence of international collaboration in education,” said Professor Wesley. “His global network, rigorous research background, and commitment to education make him exceptionally well suited for this role. I am confident that under his leadership, the Melbourne Global Centre- Delhi will flourish as a vibrant hub for innovation and transnational collaboration, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers from both our countries.”

On his new role, Professor Ashokkumar, Director of Melbourne Global Centresaid, “The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi is a significant step in our longstanding commitment to fostering wider engagement between India and our University. Building on partnerships that span over 16 years, we are dedicated to empowering and enhancing capacity within India to collaboratively benefit both societies for a shared future through transnational education (TNE) and transnational research (TNR). In my role as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, I am committed to deepening our ties with India and continuing to support the country’s long-term academic and research aspirations. The Centre will connect generations of scholars and researchers, strengthening existing and forging new bilateral connections and facilitating meaningful educational and cultural exchanges to create more pathways and opportunities for students and scholars to thrive in a global environment”.

Professor Ashokkumar obtained his Bachelor of Science (1982) and Master (1984) degrees from Madurai- Kamaraj University. In 1989, he obtained his PhD from University of Madras, India.He joined the University of Melbourne in 1996, migrating to Australia with hiswife and son from Madurai, India. During his 28 year tenure at Australia’s #1 ranked university (globally ranked 13^th), his passion for teaching and research has seen him rise through the ranks of the University’s Faculty of Science, gaining professorialship in 2011, and becoming Head ofSchool of Chemistry in 2023.

Throughout his career, Professor Ashokkumar has established significant Transnational Education (TNE) and Transnational Research (TNR) programs and helped developthe  Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy, which involvedpartner institutions across India.

Research

Through his research in ultrasonics and sonochemistry, Professor Ashokkumar has made substantial contributions to materials science, food technology, and dairy industries. He is recognised internationally, having published around 540 refereed papers, received approximatelyAUD$15 million in research grants, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. His work has earned him a high reputation in academic circles, and he has delivered over 300 invited lectures at major conferences and institutions worldwide.

Engagement with India

In 2018, Professor Ashokkumar was appointed to the institution-wide role of Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (India), developing the University’s India Engagement Strategy 2020–2024. The insight and relationships he brought to this role ensured a partnership model of piloting programs with Indian institutions and then testing them for scaling suitability. As part of this, Professor Ashokkumar played a critical role in the establishment of the Bachelor of Science (Blended) program, the Bachelor of Science dual degree program, and the launch of the University of Melbourne’s Schools Engagement Program in India.

Alongside his appointment as Director at the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar will simultaneously commence as Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor International (South Asia and Middle East) for the University of Melbourne. These two roles reaffirm the University’s dedication to enhancing education and research partnerships in these regions and will be instrumental in delivering the University’s international strategy, Advancing Melbourne Globally.

~The brand marks this transition with a new brand manifesto, logo, design system, and a refreshed app and web experience~

Tata CLiQ, one of India’s leading e-commerce destinations, rebrands as Tata CLiQ Fashion in a move to champion a fashion-forward approach. With this transition, the brand repositions itself from a horizontal marketplace to a specialised vertical platform, focusing on fashion and lifestyle across categories like apparel, footwear, watches, accessories, beauty, gadgets, and home. Along with a complete visual redesign, the platform has introduced a new brand manifesto, packaging, and refreshed both its app and web experience to appeal to consumers looking for the best in fashion.

The new brand identity symbolises the platform’s transformation, positioning it as a fashion e-commerce destination. Focused on reimagining fashion, the platform seeks to empower consumers to find their voice, identity, and tribe, all while delivering excellence, driving innovation, and leading with responsibility.

As part of the rebranding, the platform has unveiled a striking new logo. With its vibrant Rose Pink and Cerulean Blue colour palette, the logo delivers a dynamic appeal that resonates across generations. The typeface of ‘Fashion’ captures the boldness and sharpness of 'TATA' alongside the smooth, rounded form of the 'CLiQ' logo, giving it a modern and sleek look.  Every consumer touchpoint, from the app and website to the packaging, will reflect this refreshed visual brand identity.

Gopal Asthana, CEO of Tata CLiQ, said, “Our new brand identity and positioning reflect our commitment to offering consumers the best of fashion curated for their evolving needs. It is a strategic pivot to drive growth and our leadership in the fashion category. By focusing on fashion and lifestyle, our goal is to elevate fashion as a powerful form of self-expression. We aim to empower consumers who value authenticity, individuality, and impact, helping them express their unique style in a bold and meaningful way. Driven by a vision of a future where fashion is not just worn but lived, we are committed to serving our customers with passion and offering a more refined, personalised, and cutting-edge online shopping experience.”

With over 6000+ brands to choose from, in addition to category- and brand-specific stores, the platform features a range of curated stores tailored for various occasions, styles, and consumer segments, offering a seamless, fashion-forward approach, hence elevating the consumer's shopping experience.

·         Sneaker Store: Step up your game with the latest kicks at the ultimate sneaker destination.

·         Indie Finds Store: Handpicked treasures from homegrown and emerging brands that blend traditions with modern styles.

·         Lingerie Store: Feel confident, comfortable, and chic with lingerie designed to embrace every curve.

·         Tata CLiQ Palette is now available in Tata CLiQ Fashion app. Shop from a mindfully curated range of the beauty products.

The platform will also feature thematic stores that will showcase a selection of styles and essentials from a wide range of brands.

·         Winter Wear Store: Stay warm and look cool with winter essentials that combine style and comfort.

·         Wedding Store: Find your perfect look for every unforgettable wedding moment.

In addition, a new feature called 'Fit Assessment' will be introduced, which analyses customers' past purchases to understand their size and fit preferences, ensuring they always find products that are perfectly suited to them. Apart from this, in the coming months, the platform will enhance the shopping experience further with the introduction of virtual try-on and hyper personalization features, which will streamline the search process and make it easier for customers to discover and shop for their favourite styles.

The fashion destination will enhance the experience further through editorial content with the launch of an exciting new e-magazine, 'e-Stylist', available on the app. Aimed at inspiring and educating consumers to build their personal style, e-Stylist will offer them ready access to trend reports, how-to-style playbooks, care and maintenance guides, and theme-based curated shopping lists, thus keeping them up to date with the latest trends and happenings in the world of fashion.

Browse through the app and shop for the latest styles as you embrace your individuality and define your style, only with Tata CLiQ Fashion.

The Movement will cascade Oral Health awareness among millions of Indians and prompt action in partnership with the Indian Dental Association’s 50K strong dentist network

As part of its mission to champion India’s Oral Health journey, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the country's leading Oral Care brand, has announced the launch of its transformative Oral Health Movement.

This unique AI-enabled initiative aims to encourage Indians to prioritize their Oral Health, while leveraging technology to bridge the gap between the awareness and accessibility of Oral Healthcare in India. This initiative aligns with Colgate’s commitment to elevate India's Oral Health status through ecosystem building and science-led innovations, positioning Oral Care as a significant priority and contributor to the nation's overall health.

At the heart of this movement is an AI dental screening tool developed in partnership with Logy.AI, which allows users to receive an instant AI generated dental screening report through a simple WhatsApp interaction. Available in 9 leading Indian languages, anyone can participate by scanning the QR code on the recent Colgate product packs or by dialing 8806088060, answering a few questions, and uploading three images of their mouth to receive a free AI-powered dental screening report.

Furthermore, Colgate has partnered with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) to activate a network of 50,000 dentists to support the Movement and offer free dentist consultations to people post the tool-based screening. To ensure widespread reach, the Movement aims to cover multiple touchpoints like retail stores, educational institutions and corporates across multiple cities in India.

Commenting on the Movement, Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said, “At our core, is the mission to improve the Oral Health of everyone in India. This is both our fundamental responsibility and a tremendous privilege. The #ColgateOralHealthMovement is a significant step towards this long-standing commitment. We firmly believe that Oral Health is essential to overall well-being and through our AI-powered Oral Health Movement we are democratizing awareness and access to Oral Care. This action will enable millions of Indians to take charge of their Oral Health in the comfort of their own homes, and pave the way for a healthy population and healthy nation. We are grateful to our partners who are helping us reach millions of Indian homes to make Oral Health a part of their overall health focus.”

The company’s flagship education program, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) has gone strength to strength in India, reaching over 180 million school children since 1976. The program focuses on inculcating the right Oral Care habits, awareness about tobacco prevention and the need for good nutrition. This year, the BSBF program achieved significant milestones partnering with the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Goa to extend the reach of this flagship in-school, additionally aiming to positively impact Oral Health awareness amongst over 2 crore children in Uttar Pradesh and over 2 lakh children in Goa.

90% of Indians suffer from Oral Health issues* and yet, 80% of urban Indians don't brush twice daily and a mere 9% visit a dentist in a year.

A comprehensive pan-India study conducted by Colgate and Kantar in 2023 underscores why prioritizing Oral Health is the need of the hour. According to the study, (North) only 10% of the region visits the dentist each year. However, the region also reports that 18% people experience toothaches, while 14% face gum problems.

According to the study, East India reports that only 8%visit the dentist each year. However, the region also reports that 27% people experience toothaches, while 21% suffer from sensitivity concerns and 15% have cavities. Notably, 22% of East India faces gum issues, which is 60% higher than the national rate.

According to the study, while South India is more conscious about their Oral Health, only 9% visit the dentist in a year, 14% experience toothache.

According to the study, West India reports higher instances of advanced dental procedures, with 10% of dentist visits a year. That being said, currently 14% experience tooth sensitivity while 16% are facing toothaches according to the study. 

Through the power of partnerships, Colgate's Oral Health Movement will leverage an extensive network for maximum impact. Apart from its partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), the company will collaborate with a significant number of retail customers, educational institutes, housing societies, bus stations and corporates for on-site free dental screenings.

The Oral Health Movement is accompanied by a mass media campaign, rolled out across television and digital platforms urging people to take dental screenings, supported by nationwide on-ground activations and influencer partnerships.   Through this multi-faceted approach, Colgate aims to reach millions of Indians.

For more information about Colgate's Oral Health Movement and to participate in the AI-enabled dental screening, scan the QR code below to experience this yourself.

#ColgateOralHealthMovement QR Code

The first-of-its- kind feature connects users to experts for team formulation insights and strategy

Dream11, the world’s largest fantasy sports platform with over 220 million users, today announced the launch of Guru Home, the first of its kind feature focussed on providing users with insights on team formulation strategies from seasoned “Gurus” across a range of sports. In support of India’s creator economy, particularly in Tier III and IV cities, Dream11 aims to on-board over 50,000 creators by 2028, with a focus on building communities with deep sports expertise and fueling fan engagement.

This feature not only provides authentic content and insights to improve team formulation strategies but also offers Gurus a valuable platform to showcase their expertise and build a sustainable source of income. At the same time, it will give sports fans unprecedented access to verified experts thereby reinforcing user trust, safety, and transparency.

Rahul Mirchandani, Chief Product Officer at Dream Sports, commented, “At Dream11, our user-first approach drives innovation and we’re excited to launch Guru Home in response to the growing demand for formalizing the creator economy in sports to enhance fan engagement. With India rapidly emerging as a global leader in the creator economy, this initiative not only enriches the fantasy sports experience but also empowers creators, providing them with economic opportunities. Guided by our vision to Make Sports Better, we’re committed to fostering a culture of passion and learning in sports.”

Leveraging best-in-class technology, Dream11 has designed Guru Home as a seamless, personalised, and dynamic hub for sports experts to share their knowledge. The feature is now live and available to all users on the Dream11 app.

• Flights to Phu Quoc and Padang will begin on 20 December 2024 and 6 January 2025 respectively, and will be operated on the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft
• Flights to Shantou will commence on 16 January 2025, and will be deployed on the Airbus A320 family aircraft

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), today announced the launch of three new flight services to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Padang in Indonesia and Shantou in China. Flights to Phu Quoc and Padang will commence on 20 December 2024 and 6 January 2025, respectively, and will be operated on the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft while flights to Shantou will begin on 16 January 2025 on the Airbus A320 family aircraft.

Known for its rare wildlife and pristine beaches, Phu Quoc is a tropical haven perfect for a holiday of adventure or relaxation. It also houses the Phu Quoc National Park, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. At present, Phu Quoc is the only destination in Vietnam that has a 30-day visa-free policy, offering international travellers convenient access. From 20 December 2024, Scoot will operate three times weekly flights to Phu Quoc. Two more weekly flights will be added from 25 January 2025, bringing the total number of weekly flights between Singapore and Phu Quoc to five times.

Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra and the birthplace of Padang cuisine (Nasi Padang), is a vibrant destination known for its Minangkabau culture and breathtaking beaches for surfing. Whether a culture seeker, a nature or food lover, Padang is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Scoot will operate four times weekly flights to Padang.

Shantou, a coastal city located in the province of Guangdong in China, is a destination with deep cultural heritage and home to Chaoshan cuisine including marinated raw seafood. Travellers may like to stroll down Shantou Small Park to see the memorial hall of Dr Sun Yat-sen at Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion, or escape the city to bask in Nan Ao Island’s blue skies, sandy beaches and majestic mountains. Scoot will operate three times weekly flights to Shantou.

In addition to the new destinations, Scoot will be making some adjustments to its network to better match capacity to demand and optimise fleet deployment.

Scoot will add two more weekly flights to Jakarta, bringing the total number of weekly flights to 19 times weekly from 24 November 2024. Services to Koh Samui will be increased from 14 to 21 times weekly from 20 December 2024, and services to Davao will increase from 9 to 11 times weekly from 17 December 2024. Flights to Vientiane will increase from four to five times weekly from 9 February 2025. Operations to Nanchang will be suspended after the last flight on 14 February 2025.

With the launch of services to Phu Quoc, Padang and Shantou, Scoot will operate 31 weekly flights to three cities in Vietnam, 84 weekly flights to 11 cities in Indonesia and 89 weekly flights to 17 points in China by January 2025.

Flights to Phu Quoc, Padang and Shantou will be available for booking from today, via Scoot’s website, mobile app, and progressively through other channels. One-way Economy class fares start from INR 13,306.57 to Phu Quoc, INR 12,151.57 to Padang, and INR 15,301.57 to Shantou, inclusive of taxes.

Mr. Brian Torrey, General Manager, India and West Asia, Scoot said, “With Scoot’s expanded network, we’re excited about the potential for increased travel from India to destinations like Phu Quoc, Padang, and Shantou. We expect Phu Quoc especially to become a popular addition to Indian travellers’ itineraries, complementing existing Vietnam destinations that Scoot serves – Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – and offering a rich, multi-city experience.”

Flight schedules are subject to government and regulatory approvals or changes. For more information on flight schedules, please refer to Annex A.

Images of Scoot’s E190-E2 and new destinations Phu Quoc, Padang and Shantou can be found here.

Annex A

All flight timings listed are in the respective local time zones.

Media Contacts

WE Communications for Scoot

Email: WE-SGScoot@we-worldwide.com

EDITIOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         Through technical training and mentorship, ACC and the Adani Skill Development Centre empower rural youth in Chaibasa, Jharkhand.

·         ACC’s training enabled her to secure a job at a well-established company, achieving financial independence.

·         By equipping youth with employable skills, ACC is fostering sustainable growth and resilience in rural communities

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to empowering rural youth by meeting their skill development and training needs. The Adani Foundation’s Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Chaibasa has recently transformed the life of Poonam Nayak through its training and placement programme.

With her education halted after 10th grade due to financial constraints, Poonam has found a new path through ACC’s Automotive Service Technician course. Recognising her potential, the ASDC team provided her with not only technical training but also essential life skills, mentorship, and a supportive environment that empowered her to pursue a sustainable livelihood.

Throughout her training, Poonam demonstrated remarkable commitment and resilience, which her trainers fostered through hands-on learning and guidance. The programme equipped her with industry-relevant skills, opening doors to employment opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach.

Upon completing her training, ACC facilitated her job placement at Tata Electronics, ensuring that her journey did not simply end with skills acquisition but extended to a real-world application, enabling her financial independence.

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to empowering rural youth through skill development and sustainable community initiatives is highlighted in Poonam’s journey of triumph. By creating pathways to meaningful employment through the ASDC, they are not only transforming individual lives but also uplifting entire communities, demonstrating the power of opportunity and support in overcoming adversity.