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BRICS Business Forum 2021 and BRICS Trade Fair organized by Department of Commerce, Government of India, along with FICCI observes effective participation from member countries

NDB has the highest credit rating assigned to any multilateral bank established solely by emerging economies: Marcos Troyjo, President, NDB Local presence of NDB in India would expand the scope of its engagement with Indian businesses as well as create opportunities for expanding the project pipeline for the NDB: Onkar Kanwar, Chair, BRICS Business Council Enabling and accelerating the state’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem is key to investment in state: Pooja Kulkarni, MD & CEO, Guidance MUMBAI, India, Aug. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The BRICS Business Forum, one of the key events organized by the BRICS Business Council, offers a platform for members of the BRICS Business Community to discuss and deliberate on key economic cooperation areas and make recommendations on intra-BRICS trade and industry issues. To further strengthen the trade and investment relations within BRICS, the Department of Commerce, Government of India along with FICCI and supported by the BRICS Business Council, organised the 2nd BRICS Trade Fair, which is the largest platform for Indian companies to meet and network with counterpart businesses from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. The organizers have informed that 600+ companies from the BRICS Nations showcased their products and services at the expo. 18 Investment agencies & states/provinces showcased investment opportunities in their respective regions.
The BRICS Trade Fair 2021 witnessed the participation of over 5000 delegates, and the event had over 2500 Pre-fixed B2B meetings. The Trade Fair also saw over 8000 Virtual booth visits by the business delegates, which attributed to over 2000 business interactions. Also, the virtual exhibition platform witnessed over 3000 Business card exchanges and had representation from varied sectors from the BRICS member countries, with 610 exhibitors from the five countries.
Mr Marcos Troyjo, President, NDB at the Plenary Session with BRICS Business Council National Chapter Chairs said earlier this week, “The alignment of this year’s BRICS Business forum with NDB’s work underscores the potential we have for further collaborating with the BRICS Business Council. NDB has more than 70 projects in all member countries, and the project approval is nearly US 30 billion dollars. The bank supports strategic infrastructure projects addressing BRICS countries core development needs.” “NDB is also contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and sectors like transport, urban development, irrigation, clean energy, social infrastructure, and environmental efficiency are all within our scope,” he added.
Mr Marcos Troyjo further stated, “The NDB enjoys today the highest credit rating assigned to any multilateral bank established solely by emerging economies. Meeting the sustainable development agenda 2030 necessitates large-scale & long-term investments by countries in physical, social & digital infrastructure and therefore, we map the contributions of each of our investments to fulfilling the commitments made by our member countries under the 2030 agenda.”
Mr Onkar Kanwar, Chair, BRICS Business Council India Chapter, said, “Sustainability is at the core of NDB’s operations as the bank completes its first five-year cycle. It has approved more than 70 projects worth nearly US 30 billion dollars across all BRICS countries. Green and clean energy has always been a key focus on NDB operations, and the bank has approved 15 clean energy projects in the last five years, many of which are focused on renewable energy. We also hope NDB will serve as a catalyst in other priority areas like infrastructure and agribusiness. India is currently in the process of setting up a Development Finance Institution, called National Bank for Financing Infrastructure & Development, which is primarily aimed at funding large infrastructure projects. Learnings from NDB’s own experience can be extremely useful in successful operations of the DFI being set up in India.”
“Over the years, the New Development Bank has also expanded its network by establishing regional offices in South Africa, Brazil and Russia. We understand that a regional office in India is also under works this year. We are eagerly looking forward to this development. We believe that a local presence of NDB in India would expand the scope of its engagement with Indian businesses as well as create opportunities for expanding the project pipeline for the NDB,” he added.
Mr Jackson Schneider, Chair, BRICS Business Council Brazil Chapter, said, “We have noticed an increase in the number of companies seeking ESG certification in Brazil and, according to Bank of America, in the first quarter of 2021 Brazil issued 79% of the total green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds raised in Latin America, which also demonstrates the engagement with this agenda. As a company, we recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and are fully committed to a more sustainable future. To do so, we have included ESG as one of the pillars in our strategic plan ‘Fit for Growth’, aligning business strategy with social responsibility and environmental practices, to achieve the aviation industry´s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Mr Sergey Katyrin, Chair, BRICS Business Council Russia Chapter, said, “For the BRICS countries, the development of ‘digital’ is one of the priorities, which is determined by national plans and strategies implemented over the past few years. We are all interested in building a digital economy, digital infrastructure, exporting our products and solutions, ensuring national security, digital sovereignty, which has recently acquired special emphasis. It is extremely important to develop a unified position in the field of cybersecurity and the protection of personal data of its citizens. Acceleration of the process of mutual recognition of electronic documents for entrepreneurs is what business is waiting for today. Even mutual recognition of an electronic digital signature on the scale of the BRICS countries will make a great effect in the medium term.”
Capt. Xu Lirong, Chair, BRICS Business Council China Chapter, said, “Adhering to the concept of ecological conservation and green low-carbon circular development, China has implemented a series of policy measures to optimize industrial structure, build a low-carbon energy system, develop green buildings and low-carbon transportation, and establish a national carbon emission permits trading market through technological and institutional innovation. All these efforts are made to ensure that it will achieve the targets of peak emission and carbon neutrality. We can use the BRICS Business Council as a platform to promote sustainable corporate development and business communities in the BRICS countries can strengthen joint technological research, accelerate energy conservation and emission reduction to grasp the market opportunities for new energy to achieve sustainable development of enterprises.”
Ms Busi Mabuza, Chair, BRICS Business Council South Africa Chapter, said, “South Africa is in a better position as far as supplies are concerned and the vaccine availability has improved markedly with our government joining hands with the private sector to make it widely accessible. This however is not the case for other parts of the continent. We welcome the $600 million pledge by governments of France, Germany and the US and the World Bank to support Aspen, one of our pharmaceutical companies, to produce the Johnson & Johnson vaccines for the rest of the continent.”
Speaking on driving investment in the state of Tamil Nadu, Ms Pooja Kulkarni, MD and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, said, “As an agency that monitors and develops policy for investment opportunities, we welcome and look forward to handholding the investors to set up operations in Tamil Nadu, the second-largest economy in India with 8% of the National GDP. To evolve Tamil Nadu into the most preferred destination for investors, we are working towards enabling and accelerating the state’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem into India’s foremost hub for high-tech industries.”
She further added to creating a conducive environment for Industry and Research Institutions focusing on cutting-edge research across various industries. Additionally, Ms Kulkarni emphasized that priority should be given to deciding on incentives and subsidies to the EV and Electronics Hardware Manufacturing sectors.
About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI):
A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India’s business and industry. From influencing policy to encourage debate, engaging with policy makers and civil society, FICCI articulates the views and concerns of industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies. Further information is available at: http://ficci.in
Media Contact:Rudranil SenguptaTel: +91 7045464142/ +91 9004667447e-mail: rudranil@conceptpr.com 

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Times of India Launches Inaugural ‘TOI AI Quotient Awards’ to Celebrate Pioneers in AI Innovation

In collaboration with Knowledge Partner Adrosonic, the premier nomination-led platform will honor excellence, scalability, and measurable impact across India’s AI ecosystem. NEW DELHI, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Times of India has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the TOI AI Quotient Awards—India’s most credible, nomination-led recognition platform celebrating excellence in artificial intelligence adoption, innovation, and impact.

Organized in collaboration with Adrosonic as the official Knowledge Partner, the awards will bring together pioneering enterprises, technology leaders, startups, innovators, and institutions that are harnessing the power of AI to drive business transformation, optimize decision-making, and enhance customer experiences.As AI becomes a core driver of competitiveness and productivity, this initiative marks the beginning of a prestigious annual celebration. The awards aim to spotlight those leveraging AI to solve complex challenges, unlock new opportunities, and deliver meaningful, scalable outcomes across sectors.Leadership Insights”The conversation around AI has rapidly moved from experimentation to execution. For modern brands, a high AI Quotient is now a boardroom priority. The TOI AI Quotient Awards will serve as India’s most credible validation platform, spotlighting the enterprises that are successfully navigating this transition to drive real business outcomes and stronger governance. We look forward to uncovering the incredible stories of human-machine collaboration that are redefining the future of Indian industry.” — Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head – TOI, IndiaTimes, WhatsHot”AI will not replace human intelligence, it will amplify it. The organisations that succeed with AI will be those that combine technology with human judgement, domain expertise and a clear focus on business outcomes. The true measure of AI success is not how much AI is deployed, but how effectively it improves decision making and delivers measurable value. Achieving this requires clear objectives, strong governance and responsible guardrails. The TOI AI Quotient Awards celebrate organisations turning AI potential into meaningful business impact.” — Mayank, Founder & CEO, AdrosonicAward Tracks & CategoriesThe initiative features 25+ awards distributed across 4 distinct tracks: Industry, Functional AI, Maturity-based, and Special Jury Awards. Key categories include:Sector Excellence: BFSI, Retail & Commerce, Healthcare & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Media & Content.Functional & Strategic AI: Customer Experience, HR & Talent, Risk & Compliance.Enterprise & Impact: Social Impact, Women in AI, Legacy to AI Transformation, and Native Enterprise.To ensure absolute credibility, the evaluation matrix leverages Adrosonic’s deep technical consulting frameworks for an objective initial screening. Following a preliminary audit by the expert TOI Editorial Board, the final winners will be selected by an esteemed, independent jury comprising leading AI experts, technology pioneers, industry veterans, and business visionaries.Why Nominate Your Organization?The TOI AI Quotient Awards offer more than just recognition—they provide a premier platform for national visibility and industry-wide alignment:National Recognition: Showcase your AI-led innovations and business impact before a distinguished audience of industry leaders and decision-makers.Credible Validation: Gain elite positioning backed by TOI’s powerful media reach and Adrosonic’s technical validation frameworks.Industry Benchmarking: Measure your achievements against the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem to strengthen your market leadership.How to ParticipateIs your organization setting new benchmarks in AI adoption and implementation? Do you know an enterprise driving measurable transformation through artificial intelligence?Nominate your organization or a deserving industry leader today to secure your place among India’s most forward-thinking, AI-driven enterprises.Learn more and submit your nomination here: toievents.indiatimes.com/ai-quotient-awards 

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Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026 Marks 20 Years of Compassion and Service

SURAT, India, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026, instituted by Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), marked 20 years of honouring individuals who have made a lasting difference through compassion, service and leadership. The awards were presented recently in Surat.

This year’s Santokbaa Humanitarian Award was conferred on Padma Shri Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, renowned Indian ophthalmologist and Founder-Chair of the LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Padma Shri Smt. Reema Nanavaty, development worker and Director of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). Their work has touched millions of lives through healthcare, empowerment and community development.In a significant addition this year, SRKKF introduced the Social Entrepreneur Award to recognise leaders who combine business excellence with measurable social impact. The inaugural award was presented to Shri Srikanth Bolla, Founder of Bollant Industries, a sustainable manufacturing company known for disability-inclusive employment and environmentally responsible practices.The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Guests of Honour Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; along with several other distinguished personalities.Established in 2006 by Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. and SRKKF, the award reflects the legacy of compassion and selfless values embodied by his mother, Santokbaa. Over the past two decades, it has become a platform to honour individuals whose lives and work continue to inspire society.The awardees are selected through a rigorous and transparent process led by an independent jury comprising leaders from diverse fields. The 2026 jury included Shri Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru; Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), Former Chief of the Indian Navy; Shri Rishabh Shroff, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Shri Shreyans Dholakia, Entrepreneur and Brand Custodian, SRK.Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh said that the SRK Foundation is carrying forward Santokbaa’s legacy to the next generation by celebrating service, sacrifice and compassion over wealth or fame. He added that the family’s effort to connect this legacy with social entrepreneurship reflects the values of nation-building.Shri Harsh Sanghavi said the Santokbaa Award reminds us that true achievement lies not only in personal success, but in bringing light and happiness to others. Shri Govind Dholakia said his mother Santokbaa spent her life guided by truth, love and compassion, and that her values continue to inspire the family’s work. He added that the award’s 20-year journey is a tribute to changemakers whose efforts have strengthened communities across the country.Speaking on the honour, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao said it was a privilege to receive the recognition on behalf of all those working to expand access to quality eye care. He said restoring sight restores dignity and opportunity, and praised SRK’s world-class operational systems. Smt. Reema Nanavaty said the award belonged to the millions of women whose resilience and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire SEWA’s mission. She noted that when women are empowered, they become agents of change for their families and communities. Shri Srikanth Bolla said his journey has shown that limitations often exist more in perception than reality, and that the award is a reminder that with the right support, every individual can contribute meaningfully to society.Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 20 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar. With the introduction of the Social Entrepreneurship Award in 2026, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in building a better future.About Santokbaa Humanitarian Award:Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 19 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, among other eminent personalities. In 2026, SRKKF also instituted the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneurship Award, with Shri Srikanth Bolla becoming its inaugural recipient.As the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award completed a remarkable 20-year journey, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the enduring importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in shaping a better future. The journey endures, contributing to nation-building through compassion, innovation and service to humanity.For more information, visit: https://srk.foundation/honoursPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997209/20th_Santokbaa_Humanitarian_Award_2026.jpg 

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Apollo Athenaa Launches ‘Holding Hope’, India’s First Dedicated Handbook for Cancer Caregivers, during National Cancer Survivors Month

Authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa, the handbook aims to empower caregivers with practical guidance, emotional support, and clinical insights throughout the cancer journeyNEW DELHI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Marking Cancer Survivors Month and reinforcing the importance of holistic cancer care, Apollo Athenaa, Asia’s first comprehensive cancer centre dedicated exclusively to women, marked a significant step in India’s oncology support landscape with the launch of Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers—India’s first dedicated resource designed exclusively to support individuals caring for loved ones with cancer.

While cancer survivorship is often celebrated through the resilience and recovery of patients, the journey is rarely undertaken alone. Behind every survivor is a network of family members and caregivers who provide emotional, physical, logistical, and financial support throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond. Data indicates that 95 per cent of cancer patients in India have at least one primary caregiver; 57 per cent are supported by three to four caregivers, and 23 per cent have five to seven individuals involved in their care1. Yet despite their critical role, caregivers often navigate this demanding responsibility without access to structured guidance or dedicated support.Recognising this unmet need, Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers has been authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa, along with Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa. Drawing on years of clinical experience and patient interactions, the handbook serves as a practical companion for caregivers, offering actionable guidance on managing treatment journeys, navigating difficult conversations, supporting emotional well-being, understanding medical decisions, and prioritising self-care.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead, Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athenaa said, “When we celebrate cancer survivors, it is equally important to acknowledge the caregivers who stand beside them through every treatment cycle, every setback, and every milestone. With over 15 lakh new cancer cases reported in India in 20242, the number of families navigating the complexities of cancer care continues to grow. Caregivers are often the silent pillars of strength in a patient’s journey, yet many feel unprepared for the emotional and practical challenges that come with the role. Through Holding Hope, we wanted to create a trusted resource that equips caregivers with knowledge, confidence, and reassurance at every stage of the cancer journey.”Sharing his experience as a caregiver, Mr. Sudesh, who has supported his wife through her cancer journey said, “When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, caregivers often find themselves navigating uncertainty, difficult decisions, and emotional challenges with little guidance. The launch of Holding Hope is a welcome initiative. Its practical advice on managing treatment, understanding medical decisions, supporting emotional well-being, and prioritising self-care will help many caregivers like me feel more informed, prepared, and supported.”Highlighting the importance of equipping caregivers with the right knowledge and support, Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa added, “Caregivers play a vital role in the cancer journey, often serving as the bridge between patients and healthcare teams. However, many find themselves navigating complex medical decisions, treatment-related challenges, and emotional stress with little formal guidance.” This handbook combines evidence-based medical information with practical caregiving strategies and real-life experiences to help caregivers better understand their role and foster stronger communication with patients and clinicians. Importantly, it also addresses an often-overlooked aspect of caregiving, the need for caregivers to prioritise their own physical and emotional well-being while supporting their loved ones.The launch of Holding Hope reflects Apollo Athenaa’s broader vision of advancing patient-centred and family-centred cancer care. By placing caregivers at the heart of the oncology continuum, the initiative seeks to strengthen support systems that contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes, quality of life, and long-term survivorship.As conversations around cancer care continue to evolve, Apollo Athenaa hopes that Holding Hope will encourage greater recognition of caregivers and foster a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive approach to cancer survivorship in India.1 Profile of cancer caregivers among adult Indian rural cancer patients: A prospective survey. | Journal of Clinical Oncology 2 https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AU3233_xEZ9oE.pdf?source=pqalsAbout Apollo AthenaaApollo Athenaa, a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, is Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, rooted in empathy and powered by science. It is not just a facility—it’s a mission. Apollo Athenaa is envisioned as a safe, specialised space exclusively for women, combining cutting-edge oncology expertise with compassion, dignity, and privacy. Women are the cornerstones of families and communities, and their health directly impacts the strength of the nation. Recognising the need for timely, specialised, and compassionate care, Apollo has taken a pioneering step forward. Apollo Athenaa provides comprehensive women-focused cancer care, from preventive screenings and advanced diagnostics to surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, and reconstructive care. Supported by multidisciplinary expertise and precision oncology, the centre also offers nutrition, physiotherapy, onco-psychology, and palliative care, ensuring a continuum of services that place women’s health, dignity, and well-being at the forefront. Log on to: https://www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-athenaa-womens-cancer-centre 

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