Tag: Nitin Gadkari

CNN-News18 Town Hall brings together political bigwigs

Mumbai: The much-anticipated CNN-News18 Town Hall is set to make a grand comeback on 27 September in Mumbai. Renowned for its dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, CNN-News18 Town Hall has previously hosted editions across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Over the years, the platform has seen key figures from politics, business, and entertainment converge to debate national issues and the country’s key policies.

The theme of this edition, ‘Road to Delhi via Mumbai?’, arrives at a pivotal moment as India navigates its political landscape in the lead-up to assembly elections in Maharashtra. Previously, CNN-News18 Town Hall has featured prominent figures such as Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Shashi Tharoor, MK Stalin, Aaditya Thackeray, along with entertainment actors like Kartik Aryan and Sameer Nigam.

This year’s event continues this legacy with a series of engaging sessions focused on critical political and cultural topics. Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde will lead a conversation on ‘Mahayuti’s Maharashtra Test’, discussing the coalition’s future in the state. Aaditya Thackeray, MLA, Maharashtra (Shiv Sena UBT), will delve into his party’s strategy in a session titled ‘Matoshree to Prove Its Might?’, while Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis answers the question ‘Can BJP Get Its Math Right?’, as he examines the party’s electoral calculations. Supriya Sule MP, NCP (SP) will outline her party’s vision for the upcoming Assembly elections in a session titled ‘Pawar-Play: Maha ‘Binding’ Factor?’. On the other hand, Aditi Tatkare, State Minister and MLA, NCP (AP) will also share her views on the same topic. The CNN-News18 Town Hall would also see Milind Deora, MP, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena) and Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena UBT) weigh in on ‘Who is the Real Shiv Sena?’ in back-to-back sessions. From the entertainment sphere, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal will address “The New Reality of Theatrical vs OTT”.

Network18 CEO – English & Business News Smriti Mehra said, “CNN-News18 has been the number one English news channel for over two consecutive years. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering impactful, relevant content to our viewers. Given its stellar lineup of speakers, I have no doubt that CNN-News18 Town Hall will once again captivate our viewers and set the stage for essential conversations that will shape the nation’s future.”

CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob added, “The CNN-News18 Town Hall was born out of a need for candid, unfiltered exchange of dialogue that goes beyond the usual political discourse. Now in its seventh edition, it remains a crucial space where the country’s most pressing issues are addressed by a diverse mix of leaders and influencers. As we bring together voices that shape policy, culture, and society, we continue to lead the national debate on what truly matters to India.”

September 24, 2024
India Today Conclave 2024 Mumbai is Back on 25th- 26th September, 2024

Mumbai: The India Today Conclave 2024 Mumbai will feature a rich tapestry of influential voices from various sectors, reflecting India’s ongoing evolution amidst global challenges. India has demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership in the face of dynamic disruptions, emerging as a confident and assertive global player.

Key distinguished speakers include Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways; Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries; Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra; P. Chidambaram, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and Aaditya Thackeray, President of Yuva Sena.

Other notable speakers are Sri M, a Spiritual Teacher, Social Reformer, Educationist, and Author; Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited; Darshan Mehta, President & CEO, Reliance Brands Limited; Saif Ali Khan, Actor; Manu Bhaker, Olympic Bronze Medallist; Kiran Rao, Producer, Screenwriter, and Director; Richa Chadha, Actor and Producer; Triptii Dimri, Actor; and Navya Naveli Nanda, Entrepreneur, Women’s Rights Advocate, and Podcaster.

Register & Book your seat here- https://subscriptions.intoday.in/conclave/registration?utm_source=PR

This assembly of key figures from politics, business, sports and entertainment is poised to shed light on the future direction of India’s position on the global stage.

The list of speakers:

Nitin Gadkari I Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways

Eknath Shinde I Chief Minister, Maharashtra

Chirag Paswan I Union Minister of Food Processing Industries

Devendra Fadnavis I Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar I Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra

P Chidambaram I Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

Sri M I Spiritual Teacher, Social Reformer, Educationist, Author

Saif Ali Khan I    Actor

Gaurav Gogoi    I Deputy Leader, Congress Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha

Supriya Sule I Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), NCP—(Sharadchandra Pawar)

Priyanka Chaturvedi I Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Deputy Leader, Shiv Sena

Milind Deora I    Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena)

Shambhavi Choudhary I Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), LJP

Tanuj Punia I    Member of parliament (Lok Sabha), INC

Sasikanth Senthil I Member of parliament (Lok Sabha), DMK

Sanjna Jatav I Member of parliament (Lok Sabha), INC

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar    I Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Bharatiya Janata Party

Sunil Ambekar I Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS

Aaditya Thackeray I President, Yuva Sena

Ashish Shelar I President, BJP Mumbai

Dr Raj Ragoowansi I Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeon

Radhika Gupta I MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund

Naresh Arora I Co-Founder, Design Boxed

Robbin Sharma I Founder Director, Showtime Consulting

Meeran Chadha Borwankar I Former Commissioner of Police Pune and Chief of Crime Branch Mumbai

Prabha Chandra I Senior Professor of Psychiatry and Dean of Behavioral Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences

Navneet Munot I MD & CEO, HDFC Asset Management Company; Chairman, AMFI

Manish Chokhani I Director, Enam Securities

Puneet Chhatwal I MD & CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited

Darshan Mehta I President & CEO, Reliance Brands Limited

Saurabh Kumar Sahu    I Managing Director & Lead – India Business, Accenture

Savi Soin I President, Qualcomm India

Rajendra Korde I President, Dharavi Redevelopment Samiti

Rahul Shewale I Former Member of Parliament; Former Standing Committee Chairman, MCGM

Manu Bhaker I Olympic Bronze Medallist

Jaspal Rana I Asian Games Gold Medallist & Pistol Coach

Avani Lekhara I Paralympic Medallist, Shooting

Hokato Hotozhe Sema I Paralympic Medallist, Shot Put

Navdeep Singh I Paralympic Medallist, Javelin

Rakesh Chaurasia I Flute Maestro and Grammy Award Winner

Kiran Rao I Producer, Screenwriter, Director

Richa Chadha I Actor & Producer

Guneet Monga I Producer

Triptii Dimri I Actor

Navya Naveli Nanda I    Entrepreneur, Women’s Rights Advocate, Podcaster

Speakers: https://www.indiatoday.in/conclave-mumbai/2024/speakers

September 19, 2024

CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India concludes ‘HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards’

Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business and financial news channel, in collaboration with HSBC India, successfully concluded the “HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards”. The awards ceremony, held at the prestigious Taj Mahal, Man Singh in New Delhi, marked the culmination of a transformative six-month initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary achievements of India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The evening began on a high note with a performance by singer Usha Uthup.

The awards ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Shri. Nitin Gadkari. While addressing the audience he said, “MSMEs have been excelling with new research, technology, and innovations. We believe this is the right time for India to reduce imports and increase exports. For instance, the government spends INR 2,00,000 crores annually on fertilizer subsidies. Today, we passed a resolution in the cabinet regarding the same. By using new technologies like nano fertilizers and nano pesticides, we can reduce costs and increase profitability. MSMEs are doing an excellent job in this regard and boosting exports.”

CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan gave a welcome address to the audience. In her address, she said, “CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India SME Champion Awards celebrate the outstanding individuals driving the SME sector. As we honour these remarkable champions, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of the MSME sector. With 63 million enterprises, MSMEs contribute approximately 30% to India’s GDP, 45% to manufacturing, and 40% to the country’s exports, generating over 110 million jobs and showcasing their vital role in employment creation. Embracing digital transformation, 72% of MSME payments are now conducted online, and 43% are engaged in e-commerce, highlighting their adaptability and competence. Additionally, the recent budget emphasises development with a capital expenditure allocation of 20,000 crores for creating industry clusters, tech hubs, and common facility centers, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.

SMEs from various sectors were recognised for their remarkable work in their respective industries. Thirteen organisations, including two entrepreneurs, were honoured under seven different categories such as Manufacturing SME of The Year, Excellence In Sustainability Practices, Retail & E-Commerce SME of The Year, and Entrepreneur of The Year, among others. These awards underscore the sector’s essential role in driving the nation’s economic growth and honour the resilient spirit of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave took the stage for a keynote address. He said “We aim to support entrepreneurship by honouring entrepreneurs. The tagline ‘Excellence Meets Recognition’ embodies our belief that SMEs are crucial to the country’s economy, often more than we realise. Managing small and micro businesses is incredibly tough, and only those who have experienced it can fully grasp the challenges. We are dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and are pleased that these awards and their visibility will inspire younger generations.”

The discussion delved into the impact of PLI Schemes with insights from Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT, and S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, in an intriguing fireside chat. Speaking about the PLI Schemes Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT said “The overall progress of the PLI schemes highlights significant achievements across various sectors. Notably, sectors such as electronics, food processing, bulk drugs, and pharmaceuticals have shown exceptional performance. We have recorded sales of nearly 1,10,000 crores, around 13,000 crores in new greenfield investments, and exports totaling approximately 40,000 crores. Moreover, these initiatives have created employment opportunities for over 8.12 lakh individuals. The swift development in these rapidly advancing sectors has helped offset some slower areas, benefiting a broader ecosystem of vendors, mainly from the MSME sector.”

Furthermore, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India said “If I were in the electronics sector and these schemes were introduced, it would present a significant opportunity for growth. With internships and similar initiatives, the industry can address the major challenge of skills by providing the necessary manpower, thereby facilitating the establishment of new units. The government is actively supporting these efforts.”

A subsequent fireside chat featuring Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairperson of SBI, addressed the critical importance of enhancing credit availability within the financial system. T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, discussed ONDC’s preparations to ensure equal opportunities for both small and large enterprises. These fireside chats provided valuable industry insights. Ajay Sharma, MD and Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC India, delivered a special talk highlighting the financial challenges faced by Indian SMEs. The event featured a Q&A session with the esteemed jury panel.

The event concluded with an enchanting performance by Usha Uthup, dedicated to Kargil Diwas on July 26, which deeply moved the audience.

Mentioned below is the list of winners –

Umbrella	Sr. No	Category	Winners
Medium Enterprises	1	Excellence in Community Engagement	RuralShores Business Pvt Ltd
	2	Excellence In Export Promotion	Real Time Data Services Pvt Ltd
	3	Excellence In Sustainability Practices	Banyan Sustainable Waste Management Pvt Ltd
	4	Manufacturing SME of The Year	Rotex Automation Pvt Ltd
	5	Retail & E-Commerce SME of The Year	Ikon Retail Pvt Ltd
	6	Services SME of The Year	eMudhra Ltd
Special Jury Awards	7	Entrepreneur of The Year	Sanjay Kabra –Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd
Small Enterprises	8	Excellence in Community Engagement	VSS Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd
	9	Excellence in Digital Transformation	IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd
	10	Excellence In Export Promotion	Noble Cast Comp Pvt Ltd
	11	Excellence In Sustainability Practices	Health Wheels Pvt Ltd
	12	Manufacturing SME of The Year	Upstander Technologies Pvt Ltd
	13	Retail & E-Commerce SME of The Year	Newjaisa Technologies Ltd
	14	Services SME of The Year	Meraqui Ventures Pvt Ltd
Special Jury Awards	15	Entrepreneur of The Year	Dhaval Mehta –Upstander Technologies Pvt Ltd

August 5, 2024

CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrates achievements of SMEs with SME Champion Awards

Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business and financial news channel, in collaboration with HSBC India, is set to host the grand finale of HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards. This landmark event caps off a transformative six-month initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These awards stand as a testament to the sector’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic engine and celebrate the indomitable spirit of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. The SME Champion Awards ceremony will unfold on 26 July 2024 in New Delhi, from 5:30 PM, recognizing the enduring determination, pioneering spirit, and resilience of Indian SMEs across 15+ categories including Sustainability Practices, Digital Transformation, Export Promotion, Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurship, among others.

The ceremony will be graced by the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, GoI, as the guest of honour, alongside other distinguished guests including Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT; T. Koshy, CEO & MD, ONDC; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India and Ajay Sharma, MD & Head-Commercial Banking, HSBC India.

The SME Champion Awards boasts a grand jury of eminent industry leaders, each a titan in their field, who have meticulously evaluated every entry leveraging their collective expertise. The esteemed jury comprises distinguished industry leaders, led by Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairperson, SBI and Jury members Atul Lall, VC & MD, Dixon Technologies India Ltd; Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies; Shradha Suri, CMD, Subros Ltd, & President, ACMA; Dinesh Kanabar, CEO, Dhruva Advisors; Girish Luthra, President, FICCI Confederation of MSMEs (FICCI-CMSME) & Chairman, Gujarat Enviro Protection & Infrastructure Ltd; Ashok Saigal, Co-Chairman, CII National MSME Council & MD, Frontier Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Raghav Chandra, Ex-Secretary, GOI & Author and Founder, Cunsult; Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India; and Anju Srivastava-Founder, Wingreens World. The winner selection was a rigorous three-step screening process, culminating in the final selection by the esteemed panel of grand jury members. EY served as the ‘Process Advisors’ for this initiative.

The evening will open with a gripping performance by legendary singer Usha Uthup, followed by a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18. Key addresses will be delivered by Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India, and Ajay Sharma, MD and Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC India.

For the last six months, CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India have nurtured the SME community through a series of masterclasses and workshops, culminating in this grand awards ceremony. These initiatives empowered SMEs with critical knowledge and growth strategies, supporting India’s vision to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The masterclass covered topics like ‘Navigating SME Export-Import in Global Landscape” and “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains’, addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs. Furthermore, these classes were complemented by interactive webinars that served as a nexus for industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, fostering dialogue on innovative measures to propel SME success and maximize sector-wide participation.

CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, “The SME Champion Awards are a testament to the remarkable contributions of Indian SMEs, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation across the nation. These enterprises are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic resilience. By celebrating and recognizing their achievements, we honor their hard work and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and drive our nation’s growth. Now is the moment to highlight these pioneers and recognize their pivotal contribution to India’s economic development.”

HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave stated, “At HSBC, we believe SMEs and start-ups are the true growth engine of our country. Supporting them isn’t just about meeting their financing needs, it’s also about fostering innovation, creating jobs and helping them meet their global aspirations. We recognize the pivotal role that India’s SME champions play in India’s growth story and are happy to celebrate their success.”

July 26, 2024
NDTV Infrashakti Awards: Honouring milestones in India’s infrastructure growth story

Mumbai: The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 celebrated India’s remarkable infrastructure growth story by honouring extraordinary initiatives. Speaking at the event, union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed that India would launch the first phase of a GPS and satellite-based toll system in the next three months, before implementing it nationwide.

During a fireside chat with NDTV’s CEO and editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia, Gadkari spoke at length about the importance of tackling pollution in India by promoting non-polluting sources for personal and public transportation. The NDTV Infrashakti Awards were created to inspire innovation and excellence across the country by recognising individual and institutional initiatives.

A significant component of the Infrashakti campaign, the awards focused on celebrating stories behind India’s infrastructural advancements. From engineering marvels to sustainable urban planning, the awards honoured exceptional contributions that defined the nation’s growth.

Gadkari spoke on the importance of tackling pollution in India by promoting non-polluting sources for personal and public transportation. The union minister highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the promotion of electric scooters, cars, and buses, as well as the need to expand the use of bio and alternative fuels.

Gadkari mentioned ongoing projects like electric trolley buses in Nagpur and the adoption of hybrid engines in construction equipment, which operate on diesel and CNG. He also stressed how the potential of tractors powered by ethanol, methanol, CNG, and electricity was set to revolutionise the agricultural sector, benefiting farmers significantly within the next year. “Green hydrogen is the future,” Gadkari stated, envisioning India as an exporter of energy rather than an importer.

Adani Enterprises MD (agro, oil and gas) and director Pranav Adani while delivering the keynote address spoke on the transformative power of infrastructure, mentioning “Human history, whether ancient or modern, shows us that infrastructure is the fundamental key to all the progress.”

The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 comprised six jury-selected categories and one popular choice/viewers’ choice category. The categories include Rural Infra Pioneer, Renewable Energy Star, Water Saviour, Urban Infra Hero, Infra Visionary, and Transport Trailblazer. The public can also vote for the Inclusive Infrastructure category in the popular choice award, which allows everyone to make their voice heard.

The awards were judged by an esteemed panel of five jury members – prime minister’s economic advisory council chairman Dr. Bibek Debroy; GSK Pharmaceuticals chairperson and HDFC Bank Ltd’s former MD and current non-executive director Renu Sud Karnad; image guru specialising in litigation landscaping and policy analyst Dilip Cherian; actor, sustainability advocate, and social activist Gul Panag; and Professor Emeritus at Gujarat Maritime University Professor G Raghuram.

The stellar guest list also included union minister of petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Puri as the Guest of Honour. The minister, in conversation with NDTV’s Marya Shakil, laid emphasis on India’s growing focus and shift to green energy, while adding,

“No matter which way you look at it, if you look at green energy, the transition, biofuels… look at the 15 per cent transition we have done. We did 15 per cent biofuel blending. And we are solving the problem in agriculture,”

With this union minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented NDTV Infrashakti Lifetime Achievement Award for Connecting India to E Sreedharan, the “Metro Man” of India. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s executive director Anuj Dayal accepted the award on Sreedharan’s behalf. The Infrashakti Award for Rural Infra Pioneer went to DeHaat’s CEO Shashank Kumar, for his vision and commitment to leveraging technology for rural development, which has not only improved infrastructure but also revitalized rural economies, creating a ripple effect of socio-economic benefits. The NDTV Infrashakti Award for Inclusive Infrastructure was awarded to Swarga Foundation. Swarnalatha J, on receiving the award, remarked, “People call me by different names. I am here to tell the whole world that I am not just special because of my disability but because of my ability to turn every adversity into an opportunity.”

Arun Krishnamurthy, recipient of the NDTV Infrashakti Award for Water Saviour, has been a beacon of hope in water conservation and management. His dedication to environmental stewardship underscores the critical importance of water conservation in India’s development agenda. The NDTV Infrashakti Award for Renewable Energy Star went to Pankaj Kumar and Siddhant Agarwal of Quant Solar. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri also presented NDTV Infrashakti Award for Infrastructure Financier to the State Bank of India. The Infrashakti Award for Transport Trailblazer was given to Afcons Infrastructure for innovative solutions, significant contributions to the transport infrastructure sector and for setting new benchmarks in project execution and management.

Sudhanshu Mani was honoured as Infrashakti Infravisionary, for his visionary initiatives that have not only addressed critical challenges but have also propelled India towards sustainable and inclusive growth. Sandeep Patel, Founder of Nepra, received the Urban Infra Hero Award for his instrumental leadership in pioneering projects that enhance liveability and resilience in urban centres, setting a new standard for integrated urban development.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) executive director of research and advocacy Anumita Roychowdhury, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change. “If there’s a takeaway from the summer we just had, with its persistent heatwaves and unprecedented floods, it’s that climate change is real and constant. We can’t keep blaming climate change; we must ensure our infrastructure development is sustainable and mitigates the impact.”

The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 showcased the pulse of a vibrant country by recognising and celebrating the efforts of those transforming India’s infrastructure landscape. By acknowledging infrastructure development, which has the power to change lives and connect communities, these awards serve as guiding beacon for a Viksit Bharat. The NDTV Infrashakti Awards aim to inspire further innovation and excellence in the sector, honouring the visionaries driving India’s growth story and contributing vastly to a sustainable future.

July 6, 2024
NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024: Honouring India’s visionaries in infrastructure development

Mumbai: NDTV, a trailblazer in Indian TV news and digital journalism, has announced its prestigious NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024, with knowledge partner Infravision Foundation, that recognises numerous infrastructure initiatives that illuminate India’s true growth story. The awards showcase the pulse of our vibrant country, celebrating infrastructure advancements that have the potential to transform lives and foster community connectivity. The awards will spotlight many remarkable individuals and institutional efforts that inspire innovation and excellence on the road to a Viksit Bharat in the presence of Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari; Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal; and Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Comprising of six jury-selected categories and one popular choice/viewers’ choice category, the NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 categories are Rural Infra Pioneer, Renewable Energy Star, Water Saviour, Urban Infra Hero, Infra Visionary, and Transport Trailblazer. Additionally, the People’s Choice Award under the Inclusive Infrastructure category allows the people of India to cast their votes, and get their voice heard.

The NDTV Infrashakti Awards 2024 will be judged by an esteemed panel of five jury members: Prime Minister’s economic advisory council chairman Dr Bibek Debroy; GSK Pharmaceuticals’ chairperson and HDFC Ltd’s former MD Renu Sud Karnad; Dilip Cherian, an image guru specialising in litigation landscaping and policy analysis; Gul Panag, an actor, sustainability advocate, and social activist; and Professor G Raghuram, former director, IIMB, and professor Emeritus at Gujarat Maritime University.

As an integral component of NDTV’s expansive Infrashakti campaign, ‘INFRASTRUCTURE: INDIA’S GROWTH STORY,’ the campaign showcases how sustainable infrastructure embodies a vital synergy between climate mitigation and economic growth, offering a tremendous opportunity for positive change.

By recognising and celebrating the efforts of those transforming India’s infrastructure landscape, the NDTV Infrashakti Awards aim to inspire further innovation and excellence in the sector. These awards honour the visionaries driving India’s growth story and making significant contributions to a sustainable future.

To watch the awards tune in to NDTV 24×7 and NDTV Profit on 2 July 2024, 4 pm onwards. For more information and updates, visit Infrashakti Awards 2024 .

June 29, 2024
Business Today Banking & Economy Summit and BT Best Banks Awards celebrates the theme, Indian Banking: Bigger. Bolder. Boundless

Mumbai: The prestigious annual Business Today Banking & Economy Summit and BT Best Banks Awards will be held in Gandhinagar’s GIFT City on Friday, 22 March 2024. The theme for the event this year is ‘Indian Banking: Bigger. Bolder. Boundless,’ and it will feature an impressive line-up of influential figures, thought leaders, and experts from the financial industry who will deliberate on pressing issues such as the state of the Indian economy, the modern financial lending landscape, and a blueprint for a global financial hotspot, among others.

Union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari is the chief guest at the event, while chief minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel is the guest of honour. Industry stalwarts such as HDFC Bank MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan will also attend. The line-up for the summit includes names such as the 16th Finance Commission of India chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya; NSE MD & CEO – Ashishkumar Chauhan; J P Morgan senior country officer India and vice chairman Asia Pacific Kaustubh Kulkarni; Ujjivan Small Finance Bank MD & CEO Ittira Davis; The Karur Vysya Bank, MD & CEO – B. Ramesh Babu; Tata Capital digital head Shallu Kaushik; Lendingkart co-founder & CEO Harshvardhan Lunia; Perfios Software Solutions CEO Sabyasachi Goswami; Bank of Maharashtra ED Asheesh Pandey; KPMG in India, partner and head – financial services advisory – Sanjay Doshi; International Financial Services Centres Authority, chairperson Kalyanaraman Rajaraman GMDC, MD – Roopwant Singh; author, speaker, and influencer – Chetan Bhagat.

A special issue of Business Today on India’s Best Banks will be released at the event, followed by the highly anticipated presentation ceremony of the BT Best Banks Awards. The 28th edition of the BT-KPMG Best Banks and NBFCs Survey identified those institutions that weathered all storms in 2022-23, innovated both in products and services, nurtured talent and leveraged the strengths of fintech or technology partners to prepare for the future. There are 16 award categories across banking, NBFCs, and the fintech space. While six of them are quantitative awards based on a rigorous evaluation of the financial performance of banks and NBFCs for FY23, the other 10 categories were decided by a high-profile jury headed by Anand Kumar Sinha, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The other members of the jury were NSE, MD & CEO – Ashishkumar Chauhan; Avendus co-founder & executive vice chairman Ranu Vohra; Arcil MD & CEO Pallav Mohapatra; ICICI Bank former ED N.S. Kannan; and CMS Info Systems executive vice chairman & CEO Rajiv Kaul.

Amidst global economic challenges marked by high volatility in the financial markets, disruptions in supply chains, and inflationary pressures, the Indian economy stands resilient, albeit not immune. The Business Today Banking & Economy Summit aims to address the key trends and issues shaping the banking and financial sector, providing a platform for policymakers, regulators, industry executives, and innovators to exchange ideas and chart the course forward.

March 21, 2024
Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar” highlights a holistic approach to road safety

Mumbai: The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar”, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the esteemed leadership of the minister Nitin Gadkari, culminated in a four-hour telethon, leaving a lasting mark on India’s road safety landscape. Partnering with the SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF), a leading non-profit organisation in India dedicated to improving road safety and emergency medical care in India since 2008, the initiative emphasized ‘empathy’ as its core theme, urging responsible behavior and respect for life on the roads.

The minister shared his personal experience, highlighting the critical need for change. Nitin Gadkari stated, “In our country, around 500,000 accidents occur every year and in 2022 the loss of lives stood at 168,000 with 450,000 people getting injured. While we continue to improve road and vehicular engineering, this campaign aims to foster collaboration and empathy among road users to drive behaviour change.”

SaveLIFE Foundation founder and CEO Piyush Tewari emphasised the impact of the campaign, saying, “Road crashes pose a significant public health challenge in India. Effectively conveying the safety message to the public, fostering empathy, and promoting a profound respect for life is essential. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan stands out as a pioneering initiative in this crucial endeavor, and SaveLIFE Foundation is proud to lend support for the cause.”

The telethon featured eminent personalities, including Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. Leading actors Pankaj Tripathi and R Madhavan were also an integral part of the campaign along with celebrated singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan; chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Prasoon Joshi; and author and philanthropist, Sudha Murty. The launch of the Sadak Suraksha Anthem by Shankar Mahadevan, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, resonated with the campaign’s foundational pillars – respect, patience, safety, and collaboration.

Amitabh Bachchan stressed the need for collective action, stating, “Every day, 460 Indians lose their lives in road accidents, which amounted to a staggering 19 deaths every hour. As a nation, we need to work together to prevent these accidents, just like we fought the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Network 18 (broadcast) and MD A+E networks CEO Avinash Kaul emphasised, “The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 has revealed significant findings regarding road safety. As a nation, we must work together to prevent road accidents and work towards creating a culture of responsibility and safety.”

The telethon also served as a significant platform for accident victims to share their personal experiences, thereby humanizing the statistics and highlighting the need for urgent action.

Network 18 CEO (digital) & president – corporate strategy Puneet Singhvi stated, “The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar” initiative is a commendable and collaborative effort to promote road safety in India. As the 2024 edition concludes, let us make a commitment to make responsible choices, embrace empathy and compassion, and ensure safer roads.”

The telethon also brought to light the Supreme Court’s resolute stance on mandatory emergency care at hospitals and stressed the importance of integrating road safety education into school curriculums. While the “Samvedana ka Safar” journey concludes, its impact will continue to resonate in the ongoing endeavors to make Indian roads safer for all. The multifaceted discussions and the powerful anthem pave the way for a safer and more compassionate India on the road.

Embed link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_WfrjvoVCE

February 13, 2024
News18 India’s Chaupal concludes with a lineup of influential figures from politics, cricket and Bollywood

Mumbai: Concluding its highly acclaimed flagship summit, News18 India, the nation’s premier news channel, on Monday (February, 2024) hosted a gathering of India’s foremost voices. This illustrious event provided a platform for intense discussion, debate, and deliberation on the pressing matter of India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. With the Lok Sabha Elections looming on the horizon, the summit set the stage and established the tone for the forthcoming political discourse. Viewers were afforded a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of luminaries, including political stalwarts, thought leaders, policymakers, as well as eminent figures from the world of cinema and sports.

The event commenced with thought-provoking discussions and concluded on a high note with closing remarks delivered by BJP president JP Nadda. It featured an impressive lineup of distinguished participants, including Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, and several Union Ministers such as Kiren Rijiju, Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari, Ashwini Vaishnav, Dharmendra Pradhan, Anurag Thakur, and Piyush Goyal. Additionally, the event saw the presence of prominent regional leaders, including Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav, and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Noteworthy political figures such as BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Congress leader Digvijay Singh, and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi also contributed to the discussions.

In addition, the event witnessed representation from the Delhi government, with Minister Atishi Marlena making valuable contributions to the discussions. Notable luminaries from the film and cricket industry, including Aamir Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Ashutosh Rana, Kiran Rao, Shikhar Dhawan, and Mohammed Shami, also actively participated, enriching the discourse with diverse perspectives. The esteemed speakers commended News18 India and its organizing team for orchestrating the successful News18 India Chaupal, which featured thought-provoking sessions and brought together a multitude of voices and viewpoints under one roof.

Railway and Telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnav, delivered a full-fledged report through graphic illustration on the advancements within the Railway Ministry. From 2004 to 2014, he highlighted the significant increase in the railway budget from Rs 15 thousand crores to Rs 2.52 lakh crores. The audience regaled the session. On the other hand, Nadda addressed various aspects concerning the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. He posed a question to Rahul Gandhi regarding his temple visits, questioning the timing of such visits coinciding with election periods. Additionally, Nadda discussed the inclusion of Nitish Kumar and PM Modi’s vision for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in his discourse.

The panel discussions, anchored by veteran journalists of News18 India, featuring Digvijay Singh and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, along with the fiery exchange between the Delhi Education Minister from AAP and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhansu Trivedi, captivated the audience, vividly illustrating the essence of democracy. In this vibrant display of diverse perspectives, individuals from both the ruling establishment and the Opposition exercised their fundamental right to freedom of expression.

The News18 India Chaupal emerged as a catalyst, igniting discussions on strategic initiatives for impactful change that can significantly contribute to the nation’s progress. Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari, and the Information and Broadcasting Minister showcased the developmental efforts of the Modi-led BJP government, expressing confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s potential for a third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Conversely, Congress president Kharge criticized the BJP-led ruling dispensation and emphasised the party’s endeavour to unite all individuals under a common umbrella.

Respecting the constitutional framework that binds the Centre and states, the News18 India Chaupal summit provided a platform for chief ministers to share their perspectives on their respective states’ developmental endeavours and political landscape. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann passionately articulated their states’ developmental initiatives. These interactive sessions, skilfully anchored by veteran journalists, empowered viewers with insightful discussions and a deeper understanding of the regional dynamics shaping India’s political discourse.

Cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammed Shami addressed their respective plans and experiences in the cricketing world, with Dhawan expressing his determination to return to the Indian team through the IPL. Shami also shared the moments of Team India’s defeat in the World Cup in Chaupal. He also shared the moments of meeting PM Modi in the dressing room after the defeat in the World Cup, along with social media trolling.

Actors such as Ashutosh Rana, Ayushmann Khurrana, Aamir Khan, along with his former spouse Kiran Rao, actively participated in the conclave, lending their voices to the discourse. Each brought forth their unique perspectives and insights, enriching the discussions with their diverse experiences and viewpoints. Their presence added a dynamic dimension to the event, engaging the audience and contributing to the holistic exploration of pertinent issues.

February 12, 2024
Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedna ka Safar” – A journey towards safer roads

Mumbai: The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), under the leadership of minister Nitin Gadkari, is championing the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024. This pivotal public awareness initiative, dedicated to promoting road safety, will host its second edition four-hour telethon on 3 February 2024, in Mumbai. In partnership with the SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF), a leading non-proﬁt organization in India dedicated to improving road safety and emergency medical care in India since 2008, this Telethon will spotlight the critical importance of road safety, centring on ‘Empathy’ as its core theme.

According to the “Road Accidents in India 2022 Report” by MoRTH, the country witnessed an average of 461 fatalities in 1,263 road crashes per day, marking an alarming 11.9 per cent increase in road crash fatalities from the previous year. Furthermore, there was a significant 15.3 per cent increase in injuries from road crashes.

In response to these concerning statistics, this second edition of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan will address road safety challenges through an empathetic lens, focusing on behavioural modiﬁcation among Indian commuters to enhance empathy and safety on the roads.

The initiative is built on four foundational pillars:

· Respect: Advocating for life preservation and active participation in life-saving measures.

· Patience: Highlighting the necessity of adhering to speed limits and driving rules.

· Safety: Encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies and initiatives for safer public roads.

· Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for cooperation among all stakeholders, including the public.

SaveLIFE Foundation founder and CEO Piyush Tewari commented, “Road crashes are a major public health concern in India. It is crucial to communicate the safety message to the masses, inspiring empathy and respect for life. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan is a pioneering effort in this direction, and SaveLIFE Foundation is proud to support it.”

The ministry of road transport and highways is committed to enhancing road infrastructure, improving road safety education, and promoting responsible driving to make roads safer for everyone. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about responsible two-wheeler driving, helmet usage, and the Good Samaritan Law, with special emphasis on two-wheeler users, who accounted for 44.5 per cent of total road fatalities in 2022.

”A collaborative effort from all stakeholders is imperative to bring about positive change on the roads. As we witness the unfolding of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 and raise awareness about empathy, responsible driving, and road safety, let us also pledge to be more patient, respectful, and safe on the roads,” said Avinash Kaul, chief executive officer – Network 18 (Broadcast) and managing director A+E Networks.

”Road safety is not just about adhering to rules but also about cultivating compassion and transforming attitudes. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 is taking a commendable step in this direction by emphasizing empathy as its central theme. We applaud the efforts of this ambitious initiative and extend our relentless support to this noble cause,” said Puneet Singhvi, CEO (Digital) & president of corporate strategy-Network 18.

The 4-hour Telethon will feature eminent personalities, including Shri Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood legend Shri Amitabh Bachchan. Leading actors Pankaj Tripathi and R Madhavan are also an integral part of the campaign along with celebrated singer and composer Shri Shankar Mahadevan; Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certiﬁcation, Shri Prasoon Joshi; and Author and Philanthropist, Smt. Sudha Murty. The event will also see the launch of the Sadak Suraksha Anthem by Shankar Mahadevan, with lyrics by Shri Prasoon Joshi.

The event will be live-streamed across all digital platforms of CNN News18, enabling audiences to engage with and promote safer, more responsible road behaviour. Watch LIVE on:

February 2, 2024