Smart cities to rise to a new level of monitoring

Smart cities in the making are set to rise to an entirely a new level of monitoring and delivery of civic services through digitally integrated Central Command and Control Centres, said Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary (Housing & Urban Affairs), Government of India. He said so while inaugurating a day long ‘Learning and Experience Sharing Workshop on Digitally Integrated Command and Control Centres under Smart City Mission’ in Mumbai. Shri Mishra further said that these centres would serve as the ‘brain centres’ of smart cities for ensuring effective coordination in…

New PPP policy for affordable Housing announced

Central Government has announced a new PPP Policy for Affordable Housing that allows extending central assistance of up to Rs.2.50 lakh per each house to be built by private builders even on private lands besides opening up immense potential for private investments in affordable housing projects on government lands in urban areas. Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri announced this policy that gives eight PPP (Public Private Partnership) options for private sector to invest in affordable housing segment. He was addressing the ‘Real Estate & Infrastructure…

Andhra Pradesh to be declared ODF by March 2018

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N Chandrababu Naidu, announced that Andhra Pradesh will be declared ODF by March 2018. This was announced during a Collectors’ Conference in Vijaywada, as a part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign. Adding momentum to this drive more than 2 lakhs toilet pits were dug on 17th September in Madhya Pradesh. These are targeted to be converted into one lakh toilets by 2nd October. In Maharasthra, the focus has been on Shramdaan and IPC, during the week. In J&K, the administration and masses came…

NBCC bags Rs 3,200 crore project in Mumbai from Finance Ministry

State-owned construction firm NBCC said that it has bagged Rs 3,200 crore project from the Union Finance Ministry to develop a residential-cum-office complex in Mumbai. In a BSE filing, NBCC informed that it has got LOI (letter of intent) from Department of Customs and Excise for “planning, designing and construction of office complex and residential quarters at Wadala, Mumbai amounting to Rs 3,200 crore on self-revenue generation model”. NBCC has an order book of Rs 75,000 crore at present and hopes that the figure will reach to Rs 1 lakh…

Neo Natal Intensive Care (NICU) at Pune

Sector in which the Project is covered – Finolex Industries Limited (FIL) conducts its CSR activities in sectors of Healthcare, Education, Water Conservation and Community Welfare with its CSR partner Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF). Upgradation of Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) facility at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) was one of the biggest project undertaken in FY16-17. This project was covered under the Healthcare Sector. Geography of the Project – Upgradation of Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) facility at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH). This project is one of its…

Sushma, Smriti, Sitharaman (3S) The strong pillars in Modi Government

“Success of democracy is impossible without participation of the people,” said Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is true that India is the largest democracy in the world and citizens here are highly enthusiastic to be a part of governance.” In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a five-member panel to advise him on economic issues as he faces a slew of provincial elections in the coming months and a general election in 2019. He also unveiled a $2.5-billion programme to ensure electricity for…

Philips Lighting opens Global Customer ROC in Bengaluru

Philips Lighting has announced the opening of its Global Customer Remote Operations Center (ROC) in Bengaluru, India. Equipped with the latest network monitoring technology and data analytics software, the new center will enable Philips Lighting to provide its professional connected lighting customers with a range of services from predictive fault monitoring to in-depth consultancy services based on data insights. The ROC will help its customers to increase their operational efficiency and save costs on energy and maintenance. Sumit Joshi, CEO South Asia, Philips Lighting said, “As the global leader in…

Ambuja creating a sustainable society on the back of strong partnerships

When Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) was established in 1993, when CSR did not even exist as a concept, ACF came into existence as a result of the visionary leadership of its parent company – Ambuja Cements Limited. Sharing more about its CSR initiatives, Pearl Tiwari, Head – Ambuja Cement Foundation recollects how it has evolved in terms of its activities and the learnings it has gained in more than 2 decade long existence –   Could you trace the journey of Ambuja Cement Foundation and how instrumental has been your…

Aricent contributing to the technical-based economy through sustainable programs

As a part of its CSR programs, Aricent has chosen ‘promoting education’, including ‘special education and employment-enhancing vocational skills especially among children, women, elderly and the differently-abled, and livelihood enhancement projects. Ashwani Lal, Chairman – CSR Board – Aricent tells SPOI of how the company has been working holistically for promoting quality Engineering education and about its initiatives it has undertaken with NASSCOM Foundation –   What are Aricent’s views and vision for CSR and Sustainability, and how will the CSR mandate of the Company Act, 2013 impact the way…

NASSCOM Foundation along with Mphasis launch the NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum

NASSCOM Foundation in partnership with Mphasis has announced the launch of the tenth edition of the NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum (NSIF) – a platform to foster innovative use of technology to create sustained social impact. The program instituted since 2008, identifies, honours and supports, innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) based projects, products and solutions that have the potential to address critical gaps in key developmental areas and contribute to inclusive growth. Building on the solid foundation from the last nine years’ triumphs and learnings, NSIF is inviting entries from…