Infosys and zooplus Collaborate to Drive Digital Transformation and Enhance E-Commerce Capabilities

Infosys ,a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting,  announced a strategic collaboration with zooplus, a leading European e-commerce company based in Munich, Germany, to enhance its service capability and scalability. The collaboration will establish a state-of-the-art Global Capability Center (GCC) in Hyderabad, India.

zooplus will leverage Infosys Topaz, an AI-first offering using generative AI technologies, that will aim to help the company drive AI innovation and growth transform e-commerce capabilities, and enhance operational efficiency. The collaboration will also help improve its marketing, e-commerce, and supply chain capabilities. It will support zooplus by enhancing its expertise in product management, technology, quality, design, and engineering; and set up a new order management system.

Infosys was selected for its unique AI-first strategy and its commitment to driving improvements in productivity while achieving cost efficiencies. The GCC will leverage Infosys’ data-driven excellence and innovative capabilities to play a pivotal role in transforming zooplus’ customer experience, significantly enhancing their technology and value chain capabilities.

Geoffroy Lefebvre, Chief Executive Officer, zooplus SE, said, “At zooplus our growth strategy has always been focused on leveraging data-driven insights to meet our customers’ demands. Our collaboration with Infosys to establish our new technology hub is a strategic decision driven by their AI-first strategies combined with expertise in delivering AI-powered solutions, with Infosys Topaz. We are confident that through this collaboration we will unlock greater operational efficiencies, enhance customer experience, and stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape.”

Karmesh Vaswani, Executive Vice President & Global Head of Consumer, Retail & Logistics, Infosys, said, ” At Infosys, we believe in harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation enabling profitable and sustained future growth. Collaborating with zooplus to establish this new GCC in Hyderabad underscores Infosys’ commitment to driving digital transformation at scale for our clients. By leveraging Infosys Topaz, we will empower zooplus to realize their full potential and also position them at the forefront of excellence in digital commerce and marketing.”

Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Rooftop Solar Power Plant in GSITI Hyderabad

Further Strengthening Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a cleaner and greener India, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) in Hyderabad today. This event, held at the M. S. Krishnan Auditorium, represents a significant step forward in the institute’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy.

The new solar power plant is a significant step towards reducing GSITI’s carbon footprint while promoting renewable energy use within government institutions. It is expected to generate a substantial portion of the institute’s energy needs, contributing to India’s larger goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the overall energy mix.

Inaugurating the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at GSITI, Hyderabad, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy lauded the institute for its commitment to sustainable energy, stating, ‘This is a significant step towards environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has emerged as a global leader in climate action, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana empowering households to harness solar energy. The 150-kilowatt rooftop solar plant at GSITI will meet 75% of the institute’s energy needs, saving Rs 30 lakh annually, and set a new standard for renewable energy use in public institutions.’

Shri S. D. Patbhaje, Additional Director General of the Geological Survey of India (Southern Region), addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of this project for sustainable development. Shri Eatala Rajender, Member of Parliament for Malkajgiri, also highlighted the critical role of renewable energy in national progress.

The event also featured a sapling plantation and the unveiling of an inaugural plaque for the solar plant, symbolizing GSITI’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Following the ceremony, the dignitaries toured the solar facility to learn about its technical features and benefits.

This solar power plant stands as a model for future government initiatives in renewable energy, showcasing GSITI’s role in supporting India’s sustainable energy future and advancing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in clean energy.

Hon’ble Finance Minister has approved the upgradation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Hon’ble Finance Minister has approved the upgradation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to 14th #Maharatna CPSE. The proposal has earlier been recommended by Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) headed by Finance Secretary and Apex Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary.  HAL is a Department of Defence Production (DoDP) CPSE with an annual turn over of Rs. 28162 crore and net profit of Rs. 7595 crore for FY 2023-24.


PM GatiShakti National Master Plan completes 3 years of transforming India’s Infrastructure landscape

The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) for muti-modal connectivity, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 13th October 2021, completes three years today having achieved significant milestones in transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape.

On this occasion, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “PM GatiShakti has brought about a paradigm shift in how India plans and implements infrastructure projects. By integrating data from multiple Ministries and States, we have created a more efficient, transparent, and outcome-driven system. The impact is visible in faster project execution, lower logistics costs, and better services reaching every corner of the country.”

According to Secretary DPIIT, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, “PM GatiShakti NMP launched as the transformative approach 3 years ago by Hon’ble Prime Minister, has accelerated the infrastructure planning & development process leveraging geospatial technology and the Whole of the Government approach. During the last three years, more than 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs have been onboarded, their data layers have been integrated and are provided with their own geospatial planning portal.”

With its vision to bring synergy across Ministries/Departments, and States/UTs, the PM GatiShakti has successfully laid the groundwork for seamless, multi-modal connectivity and accelerated economic growth. The PM GatiShakti has redefined how India plans and executes large-scale infrastructure projects. By harnessing geospatial data from 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs, the platform has significantly improved inter-ministerial coordination and streamlined project execution.

Himachal Pradesh Police is organising the 11th HP Police Half Marathon

The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.

Taking this drive forward, Himachal Pradesh Police is organising the 11th HP Police Half Marathon on 29th Sept, 2024.

Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates Invest India’s Singapore Office

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal today inaugurated Invest India’s new office in Singapore. Today’s office inauguration comes after India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced setting up of an Invest India office in Singapore during his visit to the country on September 4th and 5th, 2024. The Singapore Office is Invest India’s first overseas office. This significant move reinforces India’s commitment to deepening investment partnerships and making it easier for global investors to engage with India. The Singapore office will serve as a dedicated point of contact for companies from the region looking to invest in India, fostering collaboration across sectors.

Speaking at the event, Minister Goyal emphasised, “Singapore is a key strategic partner for India, and this office marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with Singapore and the broader ASEAN region. We plan to open more overseas Invest India offices in the coming months with an aim to provide global investors seamless access to India’s dynamic and growing economy.”

Godfrey Phillips India Limited’s Journey through the years

Godfrey Phillips India Limited, a flagship company of Modi Enterprises – KK Modi Group, is one of the largest FMCG companies in India. GPI’s commitment to quality is unwavering.

Along with a strong primary portfolio, GPI also have a strong confectionery portfolio with Funda and have unique offerings for international markets. These are a testament to relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for innovation.

GPI’S Guldhar plant in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh has been proving its consistent track record in performance excellence with multiple accolades to its name. Year on year, for over a decade, Rabale and Guldhar plants have been receiving the highest in category WINNER award in the areas of Environment Management, Health and Safety, etc. from Greentech Foundation.

 

Godfrey Phillips India’s Rabale factory in Maharashtra has also been recognized for its remarkable environmental practices by the Greentech Foundation and by a cross section of reputed stakeholders, including the Vasundhara Awards by the Government of Maharashtra, INSSAN, IRIM for Manufacturing Competitiveness. Rabale unit has bagged the Greentech ‘Quality and Innovation’ Award for two successive years.

Godfrey Phillips seeks RBI nod on bonus issue to non-resident shareholders

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd on Friday announced that its board of directors has discussed issuing bonus shares.

However, the company has decided to seek clarification and approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before proceeding with the issuance, particularly for non-resident shareholders, including those under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI).

Given the company’s involvement in manufacturing cigarettes and other tobacco products, where FDI is currently prohibited, the board recognised the need for regulatory clearance.

The decision to issue bonus shares will be revisited once the necessary approvals from the RBI are obtained. Godfrey Phillips India said a subsequent board meeting will be convened to finalise and implement the issuance of bonus shares.

“In view of the above, the board decided that on receipt of the necessary clarification/approval from RBI, a board meeting will be subsequently convened to approve the issuance of Bonus Shares and undertake necessary steps to implement the decision thereafter,” it said.

The company’s revenue from operations increased 12% to ₹1,158.2 crore compared to ₹1,034.1 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal.

At the operating level, EBITDA was up 3.5% to ₹248.3 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal over ₹239.8 crore in the year-ago period. The EBITDA margin stood at 21.4% in the reporting quarter compared to 23.2% in the corresponding period in the previous fiscal.

FSSAI sign MoU with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the area of food safety

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil on the sidelines of Global Food Regulators Summit, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, yesterday. 

The MoU starts a new phase of cooperation aimed at improving food safety through joint projects and technical collaboration. It was signed by Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Brazil and counter signed by Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI.

Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao said, “Signing this MoU demonstrates our dedication to food safety and signifies a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration in food safety.  We are eager to work with MAPA to achieve our common goals and enhance food safety in both countries.”

The representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil added “The signing of the MoU marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of food safety, allowing for technical cooperation and exchange of experience and knowledge with the aim of strengthening the institutional collaboration and pursuing joint initiatives.”

Both FSSAI and MAPA are committed to fostering a mutually beneficial and productive partnership.

Cabinet approves health coverage to all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above

Cabinet approves health coverage to all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of income under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the health coverage to all the senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)

This aims to benefit approximately 4.5 Crore families with six (6) crore senior citizens with 5 Lakh rupees free health insurance cover on a family basis.

With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under ABPMJAY. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover upto ₹5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years).

All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover upto ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis. Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY. It has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.



AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 Crore hospital admissions including 49 percent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs. 1 Lakh crore under the scheme.

The expansion of cover to senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above was earlier announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in April 2024.