Category: TV Channels

Mumbai: CNBC-TV18 hosted the city chapter “Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective”, a mega initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap and encouraging actionable dialogues to make gender parity an attainable reality. The event was held at T-Hub Phase 2, Hyderabad, Telangana on 31 May 2023 and witnessed the most renowned names from business, entrepreneurship, policy, and politics in attendance.

Telangana has taken several steps to create an enabling environment for the growth of startups including setting up the first Government led startup incubator, T-Hub and an accelerator that specifically nurtures women led enterprise, We-Hub.

The evening kickstarted with a welcome address by CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan. Sharing insights on women’s participation in the STEM industry, Bhan shared, “According to the World Economic Forum, the global statistics reveal that women constitute only 20 per cent of engineering graduates, with a significant under representation in leadership positions. In the technology sector, women make up approximately 24 per cent of leadership roles. In India, as reported by the National Science Foundation, while 52 per cent of women are enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses for their graduation, only 29 per cent eventually join the STEM workforce. Furthermore, a mere three per cent of women hold CEO positions within the STEM industry. As we progress towards a world where technology becomes increasingly dominant, it is imperative to ensure that women are not left behind and that the gender gap does not expand.”

The Future. Female. Forward Playbook, a guide to the industry’s best practices along with case studies highlighting the importance of gender parity in the workforce and its impact on the global economy was unveiled in the presence of HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave; FICCI president Subhrakant Panda; Deloitte South Asia chief people & experience officer Deepti Sagar; and HCLTech COO Rahul Singh along with Bhan.

The first discussion of the city chapter featured Cognizant India CMD Rajesh Nambiar; Novartis Global Head, Corporate Centers and CONEXTS (GBS) Naveen Gullapalli; FICCI president Subhrakant Panda; Anu Acharya – CEO, Mapmygenome CEO Ani Acharya; HCLTech COO-corporate function Rahul Singh; WeHub CEO Deepti Ravula and Deloitte South Asia chief people & experience officer Deepti Sagar as panellists. Moderated by Shereen Bhan, the panellists share their views on the topic ‘Women transforming technology and life sciences.’ Discussing the evolving role of women professionals, pursuing careers in STEM, Technology, and Pharma, the majors pursued to reduce the gender gap in these sectors. Sagar commented, “Various research shows, women’s representation on boards is about 38 percent while 62 per cent of boards still comprises men. Some organizations are proactively trying to bridge this gap. We at Deloitte visit engineering colleges of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and hire women workforce as a conscious effort to develop gender parity. Additionally, we also adjust our workplace ecosystem to match their pace of work rather than dictating them to adjust according to our pace to encourage the women workforce.”

While Panda said, “There needs to be a special focus on areas where women’s participation is low. The laws which held back women from working in the manufacturing sector have been modified. We need to focus on making the playbook of female role models thicker with more examples of success stories and companies that actively strive for gender equality. This will inspire others to seek for comparable levels of gender parity.”

“We are among the first companies to implement equitable parental leaves. As a company, we believe in giving equal rights to all employees, and with equal parental leaves, we aim to eradicate the social bias that mothers get parental leaves while fathers are kept away and not involved in raising the child,” said Gullapalli. While Singh shared, “We at HCLTech ensure that women stay longer and take up more and more leadership roles. We firmly believe that women are capable of serving as excellent role models. HCLTech has various programs that enable women to grow in their career path with initiatives like steppingstones, essays, etc.  As a leading tech organization, we encourage women to take on more high-level positions that contribute to the company’s overall growth.”

The evening moved ahead with an enriching conversation with principal secretary of Industries & Commerce & IT, deptartment of Telangana government Jayesh Rajan and HSBC Asia Pacific Co-CEO Surendra Rosha, led by Bhan. Ranjan said, “In Telangana, every woman residing in rural areas has been actively engaged and organized into robust self-help groups. The state of Telangana holds the distinction of having the highest number of residential schools for girls per capita in India. Furthermore, Telangana took a proactive step by dispatching a team of women officers to various parts of the world to learn and adopt the best practices for maintaining safety and security.” Rosha said, “According to research, inclusion not only boosts productivity but also provides multiple benefits to organizations. HSBC has established a $1 billion fund dedicated to female entrepreneurs. Our goal is to guarantee that financing decisions are all-inclusive.”

The event also honoured visionaries and pioneers who played significant roles in bridging the gender gap including Telangana govt emerging tech director Rama Devi Lanka, Gates Foundation India Srivalli Krishnan; Hamstech of Creative Education Ajita Yogesh Reddy and FICCI FLO governing body member; Jyostna Angara. The team behind India’s first women only Industrial Park and Gulab Singh Shergill, Constable – Punjab Police, who is using his own money and time to train young girls in Patiala’s Dharoki village to realise their dream of playing cricket for India.

Apollo Hospitals Group joint managing director Dr. Sangita Reddy, delivered a special address on G20 Empower, which focuses on women empowerment. From ruby-encrusted gold jewellery to handwoven cotton and silks, inspirational talk from the trailblazers on their thoughts behind dressing up the characters of ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ with Eka Lakhani – Costume Designer; and Pratiksha Prashant, CEO, Kishandas & Co., added to the evening’s tone. The discussion on the ‘Future of Sustainable Innovation: Women Pioneering Change’ had change makers who lead by example like DoctorC co-founder Mansi Gandhi; T-Hub head of international programs strategy & partnerships Priyanka Ravala; The Rainwater Project founder Kalpana Ramesh; Terra Greens Organics CEO Lithika Bhanu; Pulp Cosmetics founder Deepti Alapati and Saptagir Camphor Pvt. Ltd. MD Shilpa Reddy.

The evening concluded with an enlightening speech on mainstreaming single women’s identities by Sreemoyee Kundu – Columnist on Gender & Bestselling Author.

CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective is proudly presented by HSBC India. It is co-presented by HCLTech, while Deloitte India supports the initiative as knowledge partner, with industry partner, FICCI and associate partner, Reliance Industries.

Mumbai: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network, is hosting edition 9 of its annual signature event, India Economic Conclave (IEC) scheduled on 1 & 2 June 2023 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A distinguished global platform, India Economic Conclave has been instrumental in shaping a national discourse on the country’s economic growth. Driving the theme, “India: The Emerging Third Superpower”, IEC 2023 will lead critical conversations with eminent policymakers, global visionaries, and iconic leaders from India Inc on India’s growth as a leading global superpower.

Speaking at Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said, “India is improving its image which was damaged due to the previous government. People have selected Modi Ji in a hope to uplift India. Four crore poor have houses today. 9.60 crore have gas cylinders connections. 12 crore houses have been given tap water and 12 crore houses have been given toilets. 220 crore vaccines, double ration for 28 months, and revoking of Article 370 were never thought of. Nobody ever imagined that India would be the fifth-largest economy in the world. Nobody ever thought that there would be a grand Ram Mandir.

India is the fastest growing economy today as per the prediction and report of Morgan Stanley. The steps taken by the Modi govt in the last nine years, the reforms we have taken, and the kind of capital investment the govt has done, is indicative of growth. The indicative number for this financial year is 7.2 percent, which is highest globally, a good sign for Indian economy. The capital of Jan Dhan account is now a part of the Indian economy which is more than 2 lakh crore. Only Modi has brought initiatives to uplift the poor. SC, ST, and the economically weaker section have benefitted the most because of these efforts. Rahul Gandhi has tried to bash during the New parliament inauguration.”

Speaking on the wrestler’s protest, “For the wrestlers, we will try to provide justice as soon as possible. Right now wrestling federation of India is not administrating any day-to-day activities, IOA is conducting camps where thousands of players are participating, competing, and getting selected. We are still waiting to complete the police investigation and the government is bound to conduct an unbiased investigation. After the FIR, there have been 14 meetings with IOA. Mary Kom and other key players are members of this committee. The government has done a lot for players. Along with motivation, infrastructure and increasing the budget to 2800 crore are the markers of it. There are several rewards and international training for the players, all are beared by the Indian government which was reflected in Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics and deaf Olympics.

NCT region has all the embassies, so Congress and BJP agree to create no fuss in this region. Congress has taken every opportunity to bash India on international platforms whereas Modi is always awarded for his efforts on the same. Australian PM has designated Modi as “The Boss”. Using technology, we have removed four crore 70 lac duplicate ration card in the system. Almost two lac 70 thousand money has been saved because of this. Ayushman Bharat offers five lac rupees to every poor. 68000 additional doctors seats have been added, 309 hospitals, seven IITs seven IIMS, and 15 metros. We will be the third-largest metro network in the next two years. We are working 111 waterways and constructed more than 55000 km road as of today.  The banks are also making profits now as compared to performance under the previous government.”

Mumbai: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network, is hosting edition 9 of its annual signature event, India Economic Conclave (IEC) scheduled on 1 & 2 June 2023 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A distinguished global platform, India Economic Conclave has been instrumental in shaping a national discourse on the country’s economic growth. Driving the theme, “India: The Emerging Third Superpower”, IEC 2023 will lead critical conversations with eminent policymakers, global visionaries, and iconic leaders from India Inc on India’s growth as a leading global superpower.

Speaking at Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel emphasised the importance of providing maximum minimum support price (MSP) to farmers, highlighting that the marketing federation and state government play a significant role in guaranteeing loans and purchasing agricultural produce. Specifically, the marketing federation has purchased rice/paddy worth 22,000 crores from farmers, with the state government providing the guarantee. The interest on the loans taken from banks is covered by the marketing federation, ultimately supported by the state government.

Regarding GST compensation, Bhagel expressed concern about the existing GST rules, which he believes are biased against producing states. He mentioned that consumer states benefit more from GST as they receive a higher share of the revenue. He highlighted the need for compensation, as discussed by the Indian government for a period of five years. However, he expressed disappointment with the central government’s lack of action on this matter, indicating a perceived lack of willingness to provide assistance.

When discussing the issue of conducting a caste census for other backward classes (OBC), Bhagel emphasised the need for data-driven decision-making. He mentioned that after 75 years of independence, there are still castes within SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and even the upper class that has been left behind. Bhagel argued that without accurate data, it is challenging to develop effective schemes and policies to address these disparities, hence the importance of conducting a caste census. producing 30 lakh tons of bitumen domestically.”

Mumbai: Times Network hosted the 9th Edition of its annual signature event, India Economic Conclave (IEC) scheduled on 1 & 2 June 2023 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A distinguished global platform, India Economic Conclave has been instrumental in shaping a national discourse on the country’s economic growth. Driving the theme, “India: The Emerging Third Superpower”, IEC 2023 will lead critical conversations with eminent policymakers, global visionaries, and iconic leaders from India Inc on India’s growth as a leading global superpower.

Speaking at Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, minister of Defence Rajnath Singh said, “While India is on its path to becoming the third superpower, I believe it is a resurgent superpower in the long run, destined to regain its rightful place. Throughout history, India faced challenges such as military weakness and political subjugation, which hindered its progress. To overcome these setbacks, our focus lies on strengthening the military by equipping it with advanced weaponry and ensuring a youthful force, thus enhancing our national security. Additionally, we are breaking free from the shackles of political slavery, which has eroded our economic condition, self-reliance, and cultural pride.In terms of economic progress, we have witnessed remarkable growth. Income tax and GST collections have surged to approximately 1.87 lakh crore, surpassing previous years. Our efforts towards improving the ease of doing business have attracted foreign investors, making India an appealing investment destination. Revolutionary transformations have also been made in sectors such as education, where we have prioritised holistic learning, skill development, and imparting moral values to our children. In the healthcare sector, we have successfully executed a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination drive, administering over 200 crore vaccines to our citizens. The Ayushman Bharat scheme has provided significant benefits to numerous beneficiaries. The banking sector, once burdened by non-performing assets (NPAs), has been revitalised through bank mergers and privatisation, resulting in a substantial reduction in NPAs from 9.33 per cent to 4.5 per cent in recent years.

Moreover, the government has undertaken extensive reforms, eliminating over 2,000 outdated laws, and adopting a “minimum government, maximum governance” approach. We are striving to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector, with a comprehensive plan to stop weapon imports and produce 4,666 indigenous items, including missiles, arms, and bombs. This initiative aligns with the Make in India campaign and positions us as a global leader in defence production. Our domestic defence production has already exceeded one lakh crore, and weapon exports have increased from 9,500 crore to 16,000 crore. The defence sector is also witnessing significant participation from startups, with over 100 unicorns emerging in India. Infrastructure development has been a key focus, with the construction of 37 kilometres of roads daily and a doubling of airport capacity. Our goal is to make air travel more affordable for the common man. The introduction of Vande Bharat trains has further enhanced transportation connectivity. Moreover, our railways are now integrated with seaports, and every village in the country is connected to the internet, marking a significant step towards digital transformation. Our vision extends to 2047, encompassing all sectors and aiming to create an astonishing future for India. With determination and strategic planning, we are confident in achieving our aspirations and establishing India as a global powerhouse.

It is crucial to establish realistic and attainable targets for ourselves, as the power of our dreams should not be underestimated. By the year 2047, our focus lies on enhancing domestic, economic, political, and cultural values in India. One of our core principles is to eliminate all forms of discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their caste, gender, or sexual orientation. Upholding human dignity stands as our utmost priority. We are actively working towards women empowerment and creating more avenues for women to thrive. A noteworthy marker of progress and evolving mindset is the fact that 14 out of the top 25 positions are held by women. Addressing the issue of unemployment is a key area of focus for us. By improving infrastructure and striving for a better quality of life, we aim to create more opportunities for employment. Our goal is to establish an efficient market economy that provides a wide array of choices for the youth. Achieving this requires collaboration between the private and public sectors, working hand in hand. We greatly appreciate the concept of cooperative federalism, which emphasises the importance of collaboration between the central and state governments. Furthermore, we seek to inspire the youth to explore and embrace our rich cultural heritage, recognizing its significance in shaping our identity and values.

Singh expressed admiration for prime minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, commending him for bringing political stability to the country. He emphasised the significance of the five promises made by PM Modi during his address from the Red Fort, particularly the commitment to eradicate the “slave mentality” that has hindered India’s progress. Singh hailed the current phase as an “era of renaissance and the beginning of a new dawn,” emphasising India’s remarkable growth trajectory. In addition, Singh provided reasoning as to why the 21st century belongs to India. He highlighted key reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and direct tax reforms, which have had a positive impact on India’s economy. Singh highlighted the remarkable achievement of GST collections, breaking records by reaching Rs 1.87 lakh crore in the current year. The implementation of these reforms has contributed to favourable changes in India’s economic landscape.”

Mumbai: Zee 24 Taas, one of the leading Marathi news channels of Maharashtra, is all set to host its first season of Sahkar Parishad on Saturday 3 June 2023 in Pune.  The Sahkar Parishad will include the collaborative participation of influential leaders, policymakers, and experts from various fields discussing and exchanging ideas on the ‘Harnessing the Power of Co-operation’.

Maharashtra is one of the leading states in the country that initiated the cooperative movement. It has been one of the most effective instruments in the social and economic development of the state particularly in the rural areas. This cooperative movement was majorly confined to the field of agricultural credit during the initial stages. However, it is now existent among other sectors such as the agro-processing industry, agro-marketing, sugar cooperatives, fisheries Cooperative societies, Cooperative dairy societies, housing societies, etc. This has also led to urban cooperative banks, sugar mills, and other units across Maharashtra facing issues that hamper their functioning, thus bringing to light the need for improving their credibility.

The upcoming Zee 24 Taas Sahkar Parishad will comprise a series of panel discussions on the Co-Operative Dairy, Co-operative Farming Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, Sugar Industry, Banking, and Rural Credit and Co-operative Housing Societies. This event will be graced by Chief Guest and keynote speaker – Member of Rajya Sabha & former CM, of Maharashtra Sharad Pawar, and will also be attended by influential dignitaries like Raju Shetty (MP, Government of India) Pravin Darekar, Satish Marathe (Executive Director, RBI), Shekhar Gaikwad (IAS) (Former Sugar Commissioner, Maharashtra), Vidyadhar Anaskar, an expert in the field of cooperative banking and experts in the cooperative sector.

Highlighting the key objective of the upcoming summit, Zee 24 Taas editor Nilesh Khare highlighted, “Co-operative Movement has been one of the greatest contributions given by the state of Maharashtra to the nation. However, improvisation in policies is the need of the hour for harnessing the Power of Cooperation across different sectors and boosting the socioeconomic growth of our nation. The Sahkar Parishad is conceptualized with the sole purpose of enabling in-depth discussions on the same, thus making it a prominent future-ready platform.”

ZMCL CEO Abhay Ojha further highlighted, “Zee 24 TAAS is the voice of Maharashtra. Hence, it becomes important to provide a platform to experts, policymakers, and the brightest minds across the cooperative sectors to debate, exchange ideas and have a dialogue on broader governance, priorities, challenges, and initiatives that can promote collaborative development in co-operative associations. We hope to make the upcoming summit a successful one.”

The show is powered by Dudhkandi & Associate Sponsors are Calton Paints, Pune Peoples Co-op Bank, GP Parsik Co-Op Bank Ltd, Washishthi Dairy, and Rajasthani Multistate Co-Op. Credit Society Ltd.