MSM Group is thrilled to announce joining hands with the Minifootball Association of India (MAI) as the official sponsor of the Indian U23 Mini Football Team for the WMF Men’s U23 World Cup 2024, in Mali Losinj, Croatia. The Minifootball World Cup represents the largest and most prestigious competition organized by the World Minifootball Federation (WMF). Held every two years, this premier event showcases the best of 6-a-side mini-football on a global stage. This exciting partnership underscores MSM Group’s commitment to supporting sports and community development on a global stage.

MSM Group Becomes Official Sponsor of Indian Mini Football Team for WMF Men’s U23 World Cup 2024

As the official sponsor, MSM Group, which includes verticals such as MSM Unify, Q Academy, and Innivec, will receive significant exposure throughout the tournament, thereby providing a unique platform for MSM Group to increase its brand visibility and engage with a passionate global audience. Additionally, upon the team’s return to India, a special photo session will be arranged, featuring the players in their branded uniforms, solidifying MSM Group’s association with the team and the sport.

Sharing his excitement on this partnership, Dr. Raghwa Gopal, CEO, MSM Unify, stated, “At MSM Group, we believe in the power of sports to unite, inspire, and uplift. Our sponsorship of the Indian Mini Football Team is a testament to our commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting a sense of pride in our Indian roots. Supporting these athletes as they represent our country on the global stage aligns perfectly with our value of empowerment.”

Mr. Siddhesh Chindarkar, Secretary-General, Mini-football Association of India (MAI) added,”The Minifootball Association of India extends heartfelt gratitude to the MSM Group and their partners, MSM Unify, Q Academy, and Innivec, for their invaluable support that enabled our team to participate in the WMF U23 World Cup. We especially acknowledge MSM Group and their subsidiaries as the first-ever financial supporters of the MAI India Team in this endeavor. We look forward to their continued support as India prepares for the prestigious WMF World Cup 2025 in Baku, where 32 countries will compete for the title.”

MSM Group believes this partnership is an ideal opportunity to not only showcase the brands but also to support the growth of mini football in India by promoting sports and coming up with new CSR initiatives aimed at community development and sustainability, in line with its mission to drive positive change beyond regular operations.

Brig. Uttam Hukku (Veteran), CEO, South Asia, MSM Unify, added, “Sponsoring the Indian U23 Mini Football Team is more than just a branding opportunity for MSM Group; it is our way of celebrating Indianness and supporting the sporting spirit of the youth. By standing behind these talented players, we aim to foster a sense of pride, resilience, and excellence.”

Tanvir Qureshi, CEO, Q Academy, echoed this sentiment, saying, “At MSM Group, supporting the Indian Mini Football Team reflects our ongoing dedication to empowering the next generation of achievers. We believe that success comes from both opportunity and determination, and we are proud to back these athletes as they represent India with pride and passion. This partnership reinforces our belief in providing platforms where talent, whether in education or sports, can thrive and make a lasting impact.”

Hosting on Airbnb is one of the best ways to make money from your home, but not everyone has the time to do it. That’s why we’re introducing Co-Host Network, an easy way to find the best local hosts to manage your Airbnb. We’re also making over 50 upgrades for guests that make Airbnb a more personalized app, including recommended destinations, suggested search filters, and personalized listing highlights, all based on your past trips and search history.

Discover top-rated local Co-hosts now available on the Airbnb app. Easily view profiles, reviews and ratings to find the perfect Co-host

Introducing Co-Host Network

Starting today, you can easily find and hire the best local Co-hosts to manage your Airbnb-right in the app. Co-hosts provide personalized support based on your hosting needs, from listing setup to managing bookings, and communicating with guests.

• Hire the best hosts on Airbnb – Co-hosts are experienced hosts with an exceptional track record on Airbnb. They have an average rating⁽¹⁾ of 4.86, compared to 4.62 for large property management companies⁽²⁾. In fact, 73% of Co-hosts are Superhosts, and 84% of Co-hosts help manage a Guest Favorite-some of the highest-quality homes on Airbnb.

• Find your perfect Co-host right in the app – With more than 10,000 Co-hosts across 10 countries, were making it easy to find the best Co-host for you. Our personalized ranking algorithm recommends a list of co-hosts based on more than 80 factors, including your location, hosting experience, and type of home. You’ll see their profile and reviews, and you can connect with them right in the app.

• Easily collaborate with your Co-host – When you hire a Co-host on Airbnb, everything you need to work together is built into the app. You can message your co-host directly, give them access to your calendar, share payouts, and more.

“With the Co-Host Network, we’re taking the work out of hosting,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder and CEO. “Starting today, you provide the home, and we’ll provide an exceptional Co-host.”

From tailored search tips to customized filters and a seamless checkout, discover over 50 upgrades to guide your journey

A more personalized app

The journey from search to booking is now customized for you, with over 50 upgrades, including:

• Welcome tour – If you’re a first-time guest, we’ll help you get started with a guided tour of the app.

• Suggested destinations – When you tap the search bar, we’ll recommend locations based on your search and booking history. We’ll also offer shortcuts to your past searches and your recently viewed listings.

• Search tips – Throughout your search, well offer relevant tips to help you find last-minute stays, discounts from hosts, and more. For example, if you search for a 6-day trip, we’ll suggest you extend by one day to take advantage of a weekly discount.

• Recommended filters – We’ve redesigned search filters with recommendations based on your past bookings and current search. We’ve also made it easier to view, add, and remove filters.

• Personalized listing highlights – When you view a listing, we’ll highlight the details that are relevant to your search-like a playroom or backyard when traveling with kids.

• All-new checkout – Local payments – You’ll soon have access to more than two dozen ways to pay around the world, including Vipps in Norway, Mobile Pay in Denmark, and MoMo in Vietnam.

“For decades, travel apps have been one-size-fits-all. We’re changing that today,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder and CEO. “With dozens of new features, this is the beginning of a more personalized Airbnb.”

Upgrades for hosts

We’re also launching more than 20 upgrades for hosts based on their feedback, including:

• Price tips – View suggested prices based on similar listings in your area, and choose to apply the tips with just a tap.

• New quick replies – Use customizable templates to quickly send welcome messages, check-in details, directions, and more.

• Earnings dashboard – Create custom reports to view your earnings, filter income by type, and easily see when payments are on the way.

2024 Winter Release availability

Co-Host Network⁽³⁾ is available in the app and at airbnb.com/host in 10 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, UK, and US. Upgrades for guests and hosts begin rolling out worldwide today.

• In line with the digital-first marketing strategy, the brand campaign will run across social media, TV and top news platforms reaching out to the customers across India

• Highlighting the Philips’ product propositions across segments, the TVC will be launched with an exclusive anthem

• Driven by innovation, legacy and leadership the campaign is titled ‘Hum raaton mein sooraj ugaate hain’ further to #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision

Ahead of the festive season, Signify, (Euronext: LIGHT) the world leader in lighting, unveiled its new television commercial (TVC) starring their brand ambassador, the Indian cricket legend, Rahul Dravid. The campaign highlights Signifys commitment to innovation, leadership excellence, tradition, festivities and the partnership with Rahul Dravid who seamlessly embodies the same spirit.

Signify, the world leader in lighting, unveiled its new television commercial, starring Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid. Titled ‘Hum raaton mein sooraj ugaate hain’

Focused on bringing in real life impact through the power of light, the high-energy TVC ‘Hum raaton mein sooraj ugaate hain‘ showcases Rahul Dravid in various real-life scenarios, illuminating the lives of people across different walks of life. From illuminating a bustling rooftop party to guiding a young hockey player in a stadium to making roads brighter and safer at night, Dravid’s presence symbolizes Signify’s dedication to bringing light and joy into every corner of life.

Power packed with an energetic exclusive anthem the entire TVC revolves around the themes of customer centricity, leadership, product excellence, safety, energy-efficiency, and innovative lighting solutions. The campaign aims to inspire consumers to make choices that enhance their day-to-day lives through the power of light, contributing to a brighter and sustainable future.

Commenting on the launch of the power packed campaign launch Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD – Signify, Greater India, remarked, “At Signify, we are committed to the well-being of our consumers, and with Rahul Dravid as our new ambassador, we are thrilled and confident that we will deepen the trust of millions of households. His unwavering commitment to excellence, his passion for the game, and his ability to inspire millions resonate deeply with our brand values. This TVC beautifully captures the power of light to illuminate not just spaces, but also lives and dreams across India.”

Highlighting the strategy behind the partnership for the campaign, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, said, “In todays rapidly evolving lighting industry, Signify has consistently believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our partnership with Rahul reinforces and our vision to creating a brighter future through cutting-edge lighting solutions. We are excited to bring this campaign ahead of the festival season in India as a celebration of the transformative power of light and how it can empower individuals and communities. Looking forward to seeing the phenomenal response from our customers as they continue to shower us with their trust, love and appreciation.”

Rahul Dravid, Former Captain and Coach of the Indian National Cricket Team, reflecting on the partnership, said, “I’m honored to be a part of the Signify family, Signify’s commitment to innovation, consumer well-being and sustainability resonates deeply with me on and off the field. This TVC showcases the incredible impact that light can have on our daily experiences, and I am glad to be a part of this journey contributing to Signifys mission to illuminate the world sustainably.”

The TVC will be aired across digital platforms and television channels across India. The conceptualization of the film with captivating shots featuring Rahul Dravid are done by Signify’s creative agency Hashtag Orange.

Link to the video: youtu.be/-JdF1kE0n20.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers, and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2023, we had sales of EUR 6.7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for seven consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for four consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

• The project aims to uplift 800 small and marginal tribal farmers from 8 villages in Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh.

• Aims to double the baseline income of farmers through high-value crop cultivation.

• A women-run pulses unit, managed by local SHGs, will foster economic independence and leadership.

• Allied activities initiatives such as solar irrigation unit plus and watershed development to promote micro-irrigation techniques

YES SECURITIES, a leading financial services firm, has laid the groundwork for a pulses unit through its implementing partner – YES FOUNDATION in Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, as part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. This project will benefit 800 small and marginal tribal farmers from 8 villages, focusing on rural development, sustainable farming, and empowering women self-help groups (SHGs) to enhance livelihoods and foster long-term agricultural sustainability. It also aims to double the annual baseline income for participating farmers through high-value crop cultivation.

YES SECURITIES empowering women self-help groups (SHGs) to enhance their livelihoods

In addition to the pulses unit, YES SECURITIES has expanded its Solar Irrigation Unit Plus to improve access to sustainable farming practices and irrigation solutions. The CSR initiative seeks to promote high-value agriculture, introducing farmers to climate-resilient crops such as creeper and non-creeper vegetables, as well as cereal and pulses cultivation.

The project focuses on improving farm productivity and sustainability through several key interventions. These include raising awareness, providing orientation, and training farmers on climate-resilient practices, along with capacity building. High-value crops such as creeper and non-creeper vegetables are introduced, accompanied by technical knowledge on Package of Practices. Productivity enhancement is targeted through the cultivation of cereals, minor millets, and pulses, while irrigation resources are developed through well repair, deepening, and strengthening, alongside the promotion of micro-irrigation techniques.

Mr. Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO, YES SECURITIES said, “We are committed to driving meaningful change in rural communities by empowering women and promoting sustainable farming practices,” Further he added, “Through initiatives like the Solar Irrigation Unit Plus and the women-led pulses unit, we aim to address key challenges such as income instability and climate resilience, ensuring long-term prosperity for farmers in Barwani.”

This initiative is the empowerment of rural women through the establishment of the pulses unit, which will be operated by local women SHGs. This step not only fosters financial independence but also encourages active participation in high-value agriculture, offering new economic opportunities for women in the region.

Through its ongoing CSR efforts, YES SECURITIES continues to play a crucial role in fostering inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that communities in rural Madhya Pradesh can thrive economically and socially.

About YES SECURITIES
YES SECURITIES is a wholly owned subsidiary of YES BANK which commenced its operations in 2013 with a clear vision to be the most preferred partner in the wealth creation journey. The Company has transformed from a transactional broker to a financial services powerhouse in a decade. The Company offers a wide array of customized financial solutions facilitating Retails, HNI/UHNIs and Institutional clients.

Sumeet Facilities Limited India, in consortium with Grupo SSGMatrix, Spain and previous service operator BVG India will implement the New ‘Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services’ (MEMS) 108 Ambulance Project in the state of Maharashtra. This project is set to transform emergency medical services in India with the integration of cutting-edge technology using advanced global standards. The 10-year large-scale initiative introduces a new operational model featuring state-of-the-art technology to boost service efficiency and effectiveness, bringing wide scale reform to the healthcare sector across Maharashtra.

MEMS 108 ambulance

Currently, ambulance services across India operate primarily as Patient Transportation Services (PTS). The new project envisioned by the Government of Maharashtra aims to genuinely save lives by utilizing specialized medical equipment during the critical golden hour of a patients emergency. The project, under the State National Health Mission, aims to provide pre-hospital health emergency services to patients in critical and non-critical conditions, utilising life support ambulances to stabilise and facilitate prompt mobilisation to nearby hospitals. The initiative covers a wide range of health emergencies, including road accidents, critical diseases, and natural calamities, among others.

Mr. Summit Salunke, Vice Chairman of Sumeet Group Enterprises, expressed his commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure and improving quality of life for citizens of Maharashtra through this exemplary government initiative. He conveyed pride of being associated with this ventures’ far-reaching impact on patient care and improving emergency response times across urban and rural areas. He appreciates and thanks the leadership and administrators of Govt. of Maharashtra for coming up with such high specifications and bringing EMS industry in India at par with European and North American standards.

Mr. Diego Prieto Oliver, Vice-Chairman of SSG Transporte Sanitario SL, remarked, “It is inspiring to witness Maharashtra adopt such a clear and innovative mindset with this project, raising its quality standards to align with global leaders. This initiative, which redefines emergency care as a network that brings hospital-level care to the patient, represents a substantial advancement that will revolutionize the EMS industry in India.”

MEMS 108 ambulance

Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model for the first time in India, with service provider contributing to 51% of the capital expenditure and the government contributing to 49%. MEMS-108 project is set to redefine emergency medical care by integrating advanced medical technology, data analytics, and high-tech communication systems. The program is designed to ensure faster response times across urban, rural, and tribal areas throughout the state, with 24/7 medical support through a state-of-the-art Emergency Response Center (ERC), based on NG911 standards and will be staffed with a specialized team of doctors.

Additionally, there will be a robust Information, education, and communication campaign to raise awareness about these free emergency services provided by the government. Further, this initiative will bring substantial benefits to the public by creating over 14,000 jobs in both skilled and semi-skilled categories, thereby generating significant employment opportunities. The project aims to deliver equal, international-level services to all 14 crore citizens of Maharashtra, ensuring comprehensive and equitable healthcare access. The government will benefit from increased public trust and transparency through improved service delivery, as well as reduced healthcare costs due to more efficient use of resources and enhanced capabilities in pandemic and disaster management situation in the state.

The project stands as a new benchmark in emergency medical services in India, promising not only technological advancements and operational efficiency but also a sustainable model for future public-private collaborations for quality service delivery by the service providers. The New MEMS 108 Project will be rolled out across the state in five phases in the coming months.

Fleet Key Advancements and New International Standard Benchmark Upgrades

The upgraded fleet is based on high-end body kits of ABS/PPMA material, providing highest durability and strength. It is equipped with high-end lifesaving medical equipment. The improved standards specify the requirements based on quality of design, performance and KPI based reporting structure that are key for better patient outcomes.

New Age Technology Integrations

Technological upgrades in ambulances now include Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), tablet PCs, RFID, GPS, caller location tracking, CCTV, TRIAGE systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), and patient arrival intimation systems, compared to the previous reliance on basic mobile phones and coordination with the caller for directions.

Enhanced training modules will also be developed for preparatory and emergency training for all personnel.

Fleet size almost doubled to 1756 from earlier 937

• Advance Life Support (ALS) Ambulances – 255

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – 1274

• Neo Natal Ambulance – 36

• First Responder Bikes – 166

• Sea boat Ambulance – 10

• River boat Ambulance – 15

The total capital expenditure procurement value has increased from approximately Rs. 240 crores for 937 ambulances (ALS-233, BLS-704) in 2013 to approximately Rs. 870 crores for 1,756 ambulances in 2024, reflecting the adoption of new international specifications and a variety of fleet types. The annual operational expenditure by the government has doubled from approximately Rs. 425 crore to Rs. 800 crores, in line with the expanded service scope and doubled fleet size.

In future, the State Government also wishes to introduce forward integration initiatives like for use of Helicopters and Drones for quickest medical assistance and Patient Arrival Intimation System in All Hospitals across Maharashtra.

You can avail this free service by dialling 108, ensuring prompt and efficient response to critical situations.

About Sumeet Group Enterprises

Sumeet Group Enterprises operates across more than 20 states in India, employing over 50,000 people. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative business solutions across various industries.

For more information, please visit www.sumeetgroup.com.

About SSG Transporte Sanitario SL

SSG is the 2^nd largest Emergency Transport Services provider in Spain and 3^rd largest in Europe, with +40 years’ experience, specialising in advanced and comprehensive medical solutions for emergency situations, and healthcare services.

For more information, please visit www.grupossg.com.

After a nearly two-year stint in healthcare, where he was responsible for marketing and growth for the Middle East and India operations, Karan Kumar has returned to the real estate sector, where he joins BPTP as their Chief Marketing Officer. Nearly two decades old, BPTP has a significant play in residential and commercial real estate in North India.

Karan Kumar

When contacted, Kumar confirmed the news, saying, “I am excited to be a part of BPTP in this phase of its growth journey. Its a brand strongly focused on delivering innovative products underpinned by a commitment to global sustainability standards while seeking to earn preference and trust from all stakeholders – customers, partners, and employees alike. I look forward to continuing to build upon this legacy while working with a very passionate and agile team at BPTP.“

Sancta Maria International School is proud to announce that three of its exceptional students – Nishi, Aanya, and Raunak – have been awarded Merits at the prestigious John Locke Institutes 2024 Global Essay Prize.

Students Honoured During the Assembly at Sancta Maria

The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is a prestigious competition aimed at young students to encourage independent thought, critical analysis, and clear reasoning. It invites participants to write essays on a wide range of subjects, including Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law, extending beyond the regular school curriculum. Essays are judged by senior academics from top universities such as Oxford and Princeton. Winners are selected in each subject category, with a Grand Prize awarded to the best overall essay. Additionally, a junior category prize is awarded to outstanding writers under 15 years old.

From Sancta Maria, Nishi received a Merit in the Junior category for her essay, demonstrating a deep understanding of her subject and the ability to research and articulate her thoughts with clarity and insight. Aanya and Raunak, both recognised for their essays in the Politics, showcasing their strong analytical skills and passion for political thought.

The awards ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, saw nearly 2,000 attendees, including the competition’s finalists, their families, and distinguished guests. The evening was marked by a keynote address from former UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss, who congratulated the young scholars on their achievements. The event provided an inspiring opportunity for students to celebrate their hard work alongside peers from around the world.

Ms. Hema Sanjay, Principal of Sancta Maria, congratulated the students, “We are incredibly proud of Nishi, Aanya, and Raunak for this remarkable achievement. Their success on the global stage is a testament to their dedication, curiosity, and critical thinking. At Sancta Maria, we believe in nurturing these qualities and encouraging our students to push their intellectual boundaries. We hope this experience motivates them to continue exploring new perspectives and ideas.”

The winning essays will be published later this year, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the insightful work of these young scholars.

This achievement adds to Sancta Maria’s growing list of accolades in academic and extracurricular domains, reaffirming its commitment to fostering excellence in every student.

To know more about Sancta Maria and its offerings, visit sanctamaria.in or call us on 97050 03222.

TREVOC, a leading Gurugram-based luxury real estate developer, clinched three prestigious awards at Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards 2024-North, proving its unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in the real estate sector. The event, held on September 26th, 2024, at Hotel Leela Ambience, Gurugram, brought together distinguished real estate developers and professionals who shared their knowledge and insights about the industry.

TREVOC Wins Big With Three Prestigious Awards at Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards 2024- North

The group’s luxury project, TREVOC Royal Residences, was awarded “Ultra Luxury-Lifestyle Project of the Year” and “Project Launch of the Year” for its unmatched luxury and lifestyle offerings, setting a benchmark in high-end living. In addition, the group’s creative and innovative launch strategy was recognized with “Innovative Marketing Concept of the Year”, underscoring its unique marketing efforts.

Mr. Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC, said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive these awards, which are a testament to our teams hard work and commitment to setting new benchmarks in the luxury real estate sector. These awards fuel our drive to continue offering world-class real estate experiences and inspire us to innovate.”

Mr. Sehaj Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC, added, “At TREVOC, we believe that luxury goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that enhance the quality of life for our residents and contribute positively to the environment. These awards reflect our dedication to curating homes that resonate with our buyers’ lifestyles.”

SKF India, the country’s leading technology and solutions provider of bearings and services, is honored to be recognized as a ‘Most Preferred Workplace for Women‘ in India by a leading media organization. This recognition acknowledges the company as one of the most preferred companies in India to work for and as a great place to make a career for women. The recognition highlights SKF India’s commitment to creating an outstanding work environment for women and showcases its exemplary HR policies and practices.

SKF India recognized as the Most Prefered Workplace for Women

Mukund Vasudevan, Managing Director, SKF India Ltd. said, “Its an honor to be recognized as most preferred workplace for Women in India and it is a true testament to our forward-thinking HR practices. Furthermore, this underscores our ongoing commitment towards diversity and inclusion, providing an excellent working environment, and ensuring the well-being of our workforce. We will continue to strive towards creating a world-class employee experience where there are possibilities for our employees to grow personally and professionally and achieve their true potential.”

As part of its ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace, SKF India has implemented several initiatives, including the Women’s Leadership Programme, SHE Leads. This program is designed to help participants reflect on their strengths, develop high-impact development plans, and enhance their skills in negotiation, influencing, and change management. By understanding organizational dynamics and leveraging external resources such as coaches and facilitators, participants are better equipped to navigate their careers and drive meaningful change within the company.

Additionally, SKF India has undertaken several steps to foster an environment that attracts, develops, retains, and celebrates women within the organization. One such key step is establishing an Employee Resource Group (ERG) specifically tasked with driving inclusion and increasing women representation in the workforce. Such initiatives have helped us move the needle significantly over the last few years.

Ranjan Kumar, Director – People Experience, Ethics, Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, SKF (India & Southeast Asia), commented on the recognition, “We are immensely proud to be recognized as a Most Preferred Workplace for Women. This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our Women’s Leadership Programme and our broader diversity initiatives are vital to empowering our employees, enhancing their careers, and ensuring they have equal opportunities for growth. This recognition reinforces our belief in the power of inclusive practices to drive both personal and organizational success.”

In addition to this latest achievement, SKF India was also recognized as the ‘Top 25 Best Companies to Work for in India’ for 2023 in the Business Today – Taggd rankings which captures the perceptions and aspirations of the larger working population of India.

SKF globally remains committed to helping employees grow and become future leaders. Our focus on talent development, upskilling the workforce as well as nurturing an open and inclusive workplace enables employees to deliver impactful results and achieve their career aspirations. SKF always strives to further enhance its employer brand and value proposition to meet the evolving needs of its talent and the industry.

About SKF

SKF is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By making products lighter, more efficient, longer lasting, and repairable, we help our customers improve their rotating equipment performance and reduce their environmental impact. Our offering around the rotating shaft includes bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and services. Founded in 1907, SKF is represented in approximately 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2023 were SEK 103,881 million and the number of employees was 40,396. www.skf.com/in.

SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.

IDH held the second edition of its annual event, SUTRA 2.0: The Sustainable Trade Summit 2024, at The Oberoi, Gurugram, on October 17-18, 2024. With the theme “Accelerating Responsible Sourcing in Indian Markets,” the summit brought together around 400 industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss the challenges and solutions to advance responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains. BharatRohan was the platinum sponsor, with Everest & Jayanti Herbs & Spice as additional sponsors, and Sattva Consulting served as the Knowledge Partner. Building on the success of the inaugural summit, SUTRA 2.0 emphasized ethical and sustainable practices across key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, spices, and palm oil.

The Sustainable Trade Summit 2024 by IDH at The Oberoi, Gurugram

Sutra 2.0 featured engaging sessions, covering topics such as regenerative agriculture, innovative financing, gender-inclusive business models, and the transformative role of technology. The key speakers during the event included H.E. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India; Daan Wensing, Global CEO of IDH; Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director – India, IDH; Sanjeev Asthana, CEO, Patanjali Foods; Sonali Shahpurwala, Managing Director & Head, Inclusive Banking at HSBC India; Anukool Joshi, Director Agro, PepsiCo India; Malavika Gopinath, Sustainability Lead, Olam Agri, and Vilas Shinde, Chairman of Sahyadri Farms. Their insights provided strategies for integrating sustainability into business practices, making supply chains more resilient and socially responsible.

Speaking at the event, Daan Wensing Global CEO and Chair of the Executive Board, said, “Today, India is the world’s fifth-largest economy, characterized not only by its role as a major producer but also by a rapidly growing consumer market. With agriculture contributing 15% to the country’s GDP, the sector plays a key role in driving its growth. As India works towards its development and climate targets, our focus must now be on ensuring agricultural transformations are both sustainable and just, benefiting smallholder farmers and their communities. Through SUTRA, we are creating a platform to building strong partnerships and driving collective action for more sustainable and inclusive value chains in India.”

Panel discussions at the summit focused on advancing sustainable farming, strengthening supply chain resilience, and accelerating public-private partnerships through technology. The summit highlighted the power of pre-competitive collaboration, with discussions on leveraging gender-responsive business models and innovative financing to drive sustainable trade. Breakout sessions explored key value chains such as spices, palm oil, coffee, and textiles, addressing sector-specific barriers and solutions. Additionally, the agenda featured cross-sectoral insights on sustainable procurement and regenerative agriculture, aiming to reshape industry practices for a more sustainable future.

Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director – India, IDH, remarked, “Agriculture, a means of livelihood for millions, and a cornerstone of our economy and cultural heritage, stands at a critical juncture today. Not only must we contend with climate change, but we must also prioritise social equity. To ensure a sustainable future, we must focus on three pillars: environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity. The SUTRA 2.0 summit on responsible sourcing in India is a crucial platform that will foster important dialogue and unlock pathways to ensure that we empower our farmers while protecting our natural resources.”

The summit served as a platform to launch several new initiatives aimed at scaling sustainable sourcing in key sectors and addressing some of the pertinent challenges. These initiatives include pre-competitive collaborations in multiple sectors, as well as investment commitments to support smallholder farmers and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The summit featured the launch of the India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto. The Manifesto seeks to unite stakeholders from the private sector, government, and civil society around a shared commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing.

Additionally, The Life and Building Safety (LABS) Initiative and the National Safety Council (NSC) signed an MoU to enhance safety in the apparel and textile industries. The partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, training, and improving safety standards to protect workers and foster a culture of safety excellence.

A study facilitated by the Womens Safety Accelerator Fund (WSAF) on the Assam tea sector, launched alongside a handbook on addressing gender stereotypes, reveals the impact of gender-based violence on business outcomes through econometric analysis. The study highlights productivity and revenue losses, as well as additional costs tea estates face due to discrimination and violence against women workers, offering insights for tracking the return on investment in addressing these issues. The handbook, aimed at industry leaders, encourages awareness and reflection on unconscious biases from the boardroom to farms, fostering mindfulness and promoting gender equity across the value chain.

As the summit concluded, participants committed to translating the summit’s outcomes into actionable steps for businesses, governments, and civil society. IDH will continue driving sustainable trade by expanding the SUTRA 2.0 ecosystem to include more partnerships and projects that mainstream responsible sourcing practices across global value chains.

For more information about the event, please visit: idhsutra.com/index.html

About IDH
IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 16 years of operation, IDH has mobilized private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.