Saturday, June 14, 2025

Under the Visionary Leadership of the Prime Minister, India is making Premium Global Education Available at an Affordable Cost: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan


In a Major Initiative Towards Fulfilling NEP 2020 Vision, Letter of Intents (LOIs)  Issued to Five Foreign Universities - University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy to set-up Campuses in Mumbai.

Mumbai to become a Global Education Capital under the Vision of NEP 2020 : Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

As We Mark Five Years of NEP 2020 Implementation, this Milestone Reflects the Spirit of Sankalp Se Siddhi, Empowering Youth and Driving Innovation-Led Growth Towards Viksit Bharat: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

Courses at UG & PG Level Offered in Areas such as Business, Economics, Computer Science, Public Health, Data Science, Design, and Many More

Mumbai, 14th June 2025

The Ministry of Education has taken a major step towards realizing the goals of internationalization of education as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.  In a ceremonial event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ held in Mumbai, Letters of Intent (LoIs) were issued to five globally reputed universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Italy.

The establishment of the branch campuses of University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy, reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s education ecosystem and is a major milestone as we mark five transformative years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The handing of the LOIs took place in the august presence of Chief Minister of MaharashtraShri Devendra Fadnavis Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Chandrakant Patil,  Principal Secretary, Government  of Maharashtra, Shri Aseem Gupta and Secretary, Department of Higher Education & Chairman, UGC, Dr. Vineet Joshi.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis said that the swift issuance of LoIs reflects the speed and commitment of the Government. He thanked the PM for NEP 2020 which has a provision for foreign universities to be a part of Indian education sector. The five universities, he noted, have added immense value to the State and NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for top global institutions to establish campuses in India. He further stated that talented Indian students who faced accessibility and affordability issues in pursuing foreign education can now do so in India at reduced costs. The Government aims to make accessible, global quality education across various domains and further talks are ongoing with 5 more universities, he stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that NEP 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, offering premium education at an affordable cost. He added that with this initiative, we aim to realize the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of positioning India as a global knowledge hub. India is encouraging top international universities to establish campuses here, while empowering Indian Higher education institutions to expand globally.

He further added that this initiative reflects a growing two-way movement of ideas, talent and trust. India is not just participating in global education ecosystem; we are shaping it. Shri Pradhan said that Maharashtra’s leadership in enterprise and intellect and with Mumbai Educity emerging as a city where finance and technology meet education and research, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai will bridge Indian aspirations and global excellence. He further said that we are not just inviting foreign universities; we are co-creating ecosystems of innovation, entrepreneurship and research. As we mark five years of implementing the NEP 2020, this milestone exemplifies the spirit of Sankalp se Siddhi, the journey from resolution to realization. It strengthens our shared goal of empowering youth and enabling innovation-led growth through education leading to Viksit Bharat.

The LoIs handed over today allow the universities to establish their offshore branch campus in India. All five universities from UK, USA, Australia and Italy, receiving the LoIs are ranked among the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings, signifying strong global academic credibility. The University of Western Australia will establish two campuses, one each in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai and Chennai, reflecting the growing confidence of top institutions in India’s regulatory and academic landscape.

This is the first-time foreign universities will establish a presence in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, with some expected to set up campuses in the upcoming Education City in Navi Mumbai under the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. The establishment of these university campuses in India will be beneficial for students, in terms of extending global course curriculum and study opportunities in India and for research, knowledge exchange, enterprise and engagement. Courses at the Mumbai/Navi Mumbai/Chennai campus will be offered at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels in areas such as business, economics, computer science, public health, data science, design, and more. These are the disciplines that will drive India’s development in the years ahead and shape the workforce of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The universities will launch more courses in the subsequent years of its operations in India.

Secretary, Department of Higher Education & Chairman, UGC, Dr. Vineet Joshi,  in his address emphasized the enabling role of the Ministry of Education and UGC in ensuring internationalization of education and introducing enabling regulations to support this goal by opening up avenues for collaboration and giving wings to the aspirations of India’s vast and dynamic talent pool. He further highlighted the transparent, time-bound process of evaluating proposals from foreign universities through a digital portal, also noting that approvals were granted within a record timeframe of just one month. Shri Joshi, welcomed the foreign partners in the ‘Study in India’ initiative not just as collaborators, but as valued members of our academic community.

Also present were senior officials of the Union Ministry of Education, Union Ministry of External Affairs, Government of Maharashtra and the University Grants Commission, alongside dignitaries from the High Commissions & Consulates and representatives from foreign universities, including:

  • Ms Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India
  • Mr. Paul Murphy, Consul General of Australia
  • Mr. Mike Hankey, Consul General of the United States of America
  • Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy
  • Shri Vijay Singhal, Managing Director, CIDCO
  • Shri Ashwin Damera, Founder, Eruditus Executive Education

The representatives from High Commissions, Consulates, and Foreign Universities welcomed the Government of India’s visionary move under NEP 2020 to allow offshore campuses. They appreciated the speed and commitment shown in issuing the Letters of Intent. Speakers from the UK, USA, Australia, and Italy highlighted education as a bridge between nations and expressed pride in being part of India’s rising global education story. From design to technology, they committed to bringing the same academic excellence to India.

NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on attaining the highest global standards in higher education quality. It highlights the need for “internationalization at home” and promotes India as a global study destination. With the current round of approvals, the UGC has now issued a total of seven Letters of Intent (LoIs), including the previously cleared institutions such as the University of Southampton and the University of Liverpool from the United Kingdom to set-up offshore branch campuses in India. It is important to note that Deakin University and the University of Wollongong from Australia were the first foreign institutions to start operations in India, at GIFT City, Gujarat, under the IFSCA regulations.

The 2023 UGC regulations enabling foreign universities to set up campuses in India are only one part of a broader internationalization vision. Parallelly, Indian institutions are going global. IIT Delhi has launched a campus in Abu Dhabi, IIT Madras in Tanzania and IIM Ahmedabad is gearing up to establish a presence in Dubai.  Further Indian universities can now form academic collaborations with foreign counterparts through joint, dual and twinning degree programmes and the recently notified Equivalence Regulations that provides a mechanism for recognition and grant of equivalence to qualifications obtained from foreign educational institutions.

This development, aligned with the five-year celebration of NEP 2020, highlights India’s commitment to creating a globally competitive and inclusive higher education ecosystem.

Friday, June 13, 2025

LIC announces relaxations for victims of Air India AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad on 12.06.2025


LIC of India expresses deep grief over the death of on-board passengers and crew members of Air India flight AI 171 and also people on the ground who were killed due to the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

LIC of India is committed to supporting those affected and will expedite claim settlements to provide financial relief.


LIC of India has announced many concessions to mitigate the hardships of the claimants of LIC Policies. In lieu of death certificates, any evidence in Government Records of death of the policyholder due to the plane crash or any compensation paid by Central/State Government /Airline Authorities will be accepted as proof of death.


All efforts will be taken to ensure that the claimants are reached out and claims are settled expeditiously to the affected families.


For further assistance the claimants may contact the nearest Branch/Division/Customer Zone.

The claimants may also call at our call centre -022 68276827

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Technology-Driven Fishery Technology Expo Opens to Enthusiastic Response in Mumbai


Over 6,000 trade visitors registered

55+ exhibitors

High-level conference sessions

Mumbai 12 june 2025 : Mumbai witnessed a landmark moment today as the inaugural International Fishery Tech Expo (IFT Expo 2025)—India’s focused technology-first fisheries expo—opened its doors at Hall No. 2, Bombay Exhibition Center. The day recorded large number of industry participants from across India, including stakeholders from fisheries, aquaculture, processing, innovation technologies, fish farmers and cold chain logistics.


The expo comes against the backdrop of a record allocation of ₹2,703 crore in the 2025–26 Union Budget, reinforcing India’s commitment to modernizing its fisheries sector.


The event was formally inaugurated by Shri Nitesh Narayan Rane, Hon’ble Minister for Ports Development, The Government of Maharashtra. The show also witnessed the presence of Mr. Kishor Tawade, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra along with Top officials from State fisheries departments of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Goa. 


Addressing the audience, Minister Rane shared, “I Thank & extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organisers of the International Fishery Tech Expo for creating a truly world-class platform that brings together technology, policy, and potential—all under one roof. This initiative could not have come at a better time. Maharashtra is committed to becoming one of the top five states in fisheries, and events like this are essential to accelerating that journey. Under the guidance of our Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, we have been fully committed and focusing on the use of AI - From deploying drones for coastal safety to fast-tracking fisheries development projects, we are building an ecosystem that supports AI, innovation and rapid growth. I invite technology providers, investors, and industry leaders to partner with us as we shape the future of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector—starting right here in Maharashtra.”


Furthermore, Dr. Sreenath K.R, Director General, Fisheries Survey of India shared, “India’s fisheries sector is making global waves—exporting to over 130 countries and powered by transformative investments in infrastructure and innovation. Platforms like IFT Expo are vital to this momentum, showcasing technologies that align with our Prime Minister’s vision of a sustainable, tech-driven blue economy. I congratulate the organisers for creating this catalyst for collaboration and growth.”


A Powerful Convergence of Technology and Vision: 

With over 55 exhibitors from across India and overseas, IFT 2025 offers a panoramic view of emerging technologies in aquaculture, seafood processing, cold chain logistics, data & drone technologies, environmental systems, fish packaging, and hygiene solutions 

Live demonstrations and discussions on technology for both coastal and inland fisheries are important part of the Expo. From exporters to academics, policymakers to fishermen, and processors—all explored innovations in water quality monitoring, advanced aquafeed formulations, smart refrigeration systems, fish tracking software, and more.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Renalyx Launches World’s First Indigenous AI based Smart Hemodialysis Machine, Makes Renal Care Accessible and Affordable


To invest INR 800 crores in the next four years to build a robust manufacturing capacity 

Aims to make dialysis accessible to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients across India

Mumbai, 11th June 2025: Renalyx Health Systems Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering technology innovation company in renal care, has launched RENALYX – RxT 21, World's first fully indigenous, AI and cloud-enabled smart hemodialysis machine with real-time remote monitoring and clinical connectivity facility. Price starting at INR 6.70 lakh - significantly lower than the imported machines - RENALYX – RxT 21 will make dialysis affordable and accessible to a larger population and bridge the demand-supply gap in the renal care across semi-urban and rural regions. 


Completely designed and manufactured in India, RENALYX – RxT 21 leverages latest technologies including cloud-based telenephrology platforms to offer safety and quality care to kidney patients, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients especially those with cardiovascular, pulmonary and acute kidney injury-related issues. 


RENALYX – RxT 21 makes Renalyx the sixth company globally and first in India to produce an advanced dialysis machine with EU CE certification.


Renalyx has plans to invest INR 800 crores in the next four years to build the manufacturing capacity of 5,000 machines by FY25-26 and will develop additional capacity of 1500 machines by FY27-28. The company also have plans to manufacture consumables indigenously.  The company has manufacturing facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru in Karnataka and at Mumbai in Maharashtra to support its scale-up plans and meet the growing demand. 


The company plans to raise funds through the sale of equity, backed by strong interest from prominent Indian and international investors. In addition, it will raise debt, and the promoters will also invest capital. Renalyx also has plans to go public within the next three years.


With initial deployments of the machine planned in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Renalyx will go for rapid pan-India distribution of RENALYX – RxT 21 with its partners as well as exports to other countries. The company has successfully penetrated international markets, securing orders from South Africa, the USA, and Europe.


Commenting on the launch of Rx T21, Dr. Shyam Vasudeva Rao, Founder & Director of Renalyx Health Systems said, “Our cutting-edge hemodialysis machine will revolutionise the renal care by making dialysis facility affordable and accessible, thus strengthening the kidney healthcare infrastructure of the country. By bringing dialysis services closer to patients’ homes, RxT 21 will help in addressing the rising Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) burden and ESRD patients. Our indigenously developed hemodialysis machine will play a game-changing role in reducing dialysis expense, thus ensuring better healthcare impact. Going forward, we have plans to scale up our manufacturing capacity and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of RxT 21 by 40% compared to that of imported machines. We have plans to develop a broader range of technologically advanced machines over the next three years, including a home dialysis model. In line with the government vision of ‘Make in India Make for the World’, we aim to export our machine to various countries to make a larger impact on renal care infrastructure globally. We aim to become one of the world’s leading producers and exporters within the next five years.” 


The Indian CDSCO approval of the machine is in its final stages and is expected by July 2025, while the U.S. FDA approval process is underway and anticipated by March 2026.


The RENALYX – RxT 21 machines are equipped with advanced features such as Integrated Nephrology Information System (NIS) on the cloud, AI based smart algorithms, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) integration, remote diagnostics and alerts through real-time telemetry, Advanced image processing, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) capabilities for continuous performance monitoring and clinical oversight. Thanks to these advanced features, doctors can remotely access patients’ EMR, current settings of the dialysis machine and patients’ critical event history to take action and advise necessary treatment and care.   


Renalyx plans to install RxT 21 at primary health centres (PHC), community health centres (CHC), private dialysis centres and hospitals to make renal care available to a large number of people. The company has set up local service teams and created technician training programs to ensure smooth roll-out of the smart machines. The company will set up franchisee centres across India along with its partners   


The company, in collaboration with its partner, will set up franchise centres across India and in international markets.


In addition, Renalyx has awarded manufacturing license to Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) to produce 6,000 RENALYX – RxT 17 in the next three years. RENALYX – RxT 17 is a previously launched dialysis machine by Renalyx which comes with standard features and facilities. With RENALYX – RxT 21 and RxT 17, Renalyx aims to play its role in making dialysis services affordable and accessible to the rural areas due to the recurring nature of the treatment. According to Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) data, approximately 2.2 lakh new cases of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are reported in India each year, creating an additional demand for 3.4 crore dialysis sessions annually. 


About Renalyx Health Systems Pvt. Ltd.


Established in late 2012 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Renalyx Health Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a technology innovation company focused on delivering inclusive solutions for comprehensive renal care. With a mission to transform the way Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is screened, managed, and treated, Renalyx has developed a robust suite of digital IoT and connected medical technologies for nephrology.


Renalyx is an ISO 13485 certified medical devices company, committed to the highest standards of quality and safety. The company has achieved a major milestone by designing, developing, and CE-certified World’s first indigenous hemodialysis machine, RENALYX RxT 21. Through its integrated approach to innovation, affordability and accessibility, Renalyx is redefining kidney care delivery in India and beyond.


Website - https://renalyx.com/ 

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Oswal Pumps Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Friday, June 13, 2025, price band set at ₹584/- to ₹614/- per Equity Share

 

(L-R) Mr. Vivek Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director and Mr. Amulya Gupta, Whole-time Director, Oswal Pumps Limited’s at their IPO Press Conference held in Mumbai today.

Mumbai, June 10, 2025: Oswal Pumps Limited, the fastest growing vertically integrated solar pump manufacturers in India in terms of revenue growth during the last three fiscals, with our revenues growing at a CAGR of 45.07% between Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2024, has fixed the price band of ₹584/- to ₹614/- per Equity Share of face value ₹1/- each for its maiden initial public offer. 


The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Friday, June 13, 2025, for subscription and close on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Investors can bid for a minimum of 24 Equity Shares and in multiples of 24 Equity Shares thereafter.


The IPO is a mix of fresh issue of up to Rs 890 crore and an offer for sale up to 81,00,000 equity shares by Vivek Gupta. 


The proceeds from its fresh issuance, to extent of Rs Rs 89.86 crore for funding certain capital expenditure of the Company; Rs 272.76 crore for investment in its wholly-owned Subsidiary, Oswal Solar, in the form of equity, for funding the setting up of new manufacturing units at Karnal, Haryana; Rs 280 crore for pre-payment/ re-payment, in part or full, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company; Rs 31.00 crore for investment in its wholly-owned Subsidiary, Oswal Solar, in the form of equity, for repayment/prepayment, in part or full, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by Oswal Solar; and general corporate purposes.

Oswal Pumps commenced its operations in 2003 with the manufacturing of low-speed monoblock pumps. Over the years, it expanded its operations to manufacture grid-connected high-speed monoblock pumps, grid-connected submersible pumps and electric motors.

The company manufactures solar-powered and grid-connected submersible and monoblock pumps, electric motors comprising induction and submersible motors as well as solar modules, which it sells under the ‘Oswal’ brand. It has over 22 years of experience in pumps and caters to the diverse requirements of end-users in the agricultural sector for irrigating fields; the residential sector for maintaining gardens and fountains, extracting water, supplying water to overhead tanks and cleaning households and small establishments; commercial premises; and industries. 

Oswal Pumps started supplying pumps to players participating and providing Turnkey Solar Pumping Systems under the PM Kusum Scheme, including Tata Power Solar Systems Limited. 

As of December 31, 2024, it had executed orders for 38,132 Turnkey Solar pumping Systems directly under the PM Kusum Scheme for several states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It also supplied pumps to certain vendors empanelled under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana launched by the Government of Maharashtra in 2019. 

The company operate a manufacturing facility located at Karnal, Haryana, which is one of India’s largest single-site facilities for manufacturing pumps, covering a total land area of 41,076 square meters as of December 31, 2024. (Source: 1Lattice Report). It also operates a manufacturing facility through its wholly-owned Subsidiary Oswal Solar Structure Private Limited for manufacturing solar modules for its Turnkey Solar Pumping Systems. Its annual installed capacity was 570 megawatts (“MW”) for solar modules. The company has an extensive network of 925 distributors as of December 31, 2024. 

Oswal Pumps' revenue from operations increased by 97.01% from ₹385.04 crore in Fiscal 2023 to ₹758.57 crore in Fiscal 2024, primarily due to an increase in the revenue from total sale of products. Profit for the year was ₹ 34.19 crore in Fiscal 2023 compared to ₹ 97.66 crore in Fiscal 2024.


For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,065.67 crore and Profit after tax stood at Rs 216.71 crore.


IIFL Capital Services Limited, Axis Capital Limited, CLSA India Private Limited, JM Financial Limited, and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited are the book-running lead managers, and MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of the issue.


The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% of the offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional bidders, and not less than 35% of the offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual bidders.


Notes for Reference: 

Issue Size of the IPO based on the upper and lower end of the price band

Fresh Issue    OFS (81,00,000 equity shares) Total 

Lower Band (@Rs 584) Rs 890 crore Rs 473.04 crore Rs 1,363.04 crore

Upper Band (@Rs 614) Rs 890 crore Rs 497.34 crore Rs 1,387.34 crore

Sunday, June 8, 2025

26th Edition of Sundays on Cycle: 500+ Participants Ride for Fitness with SAI RC Mumbai Across Maharashtra, Goa, DNH & DD


Mumbai, June 8, 2025: The Sports Authority of India – Regional Centre Mumbai (SAI RC Mumbai), in collaboration with Western Railway, successfully organized the 26th edition of the Fit India – Sundays on Cycle campaign. With over 500 cycling enthusiasts participating, the event ignited a powerful movement promoting fitness, sustainability, and community engagement across Western India.


🚴 Event at Western Railway Headquarters, Churchgate, Mumbai

The iconic Western Railway HQ at Churchgate transformed into a vibrant centre of enthusiasm and high energy. Cyclists of all ages—along with dignitaries, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts—joined hands to champion the message of "Fitness ka Dose, Adha Ghanta Roz."

The event was graced by senior dignitaries from Indian Railways:

Shri Vidyadhar Malegaonkar – President, Western Railway Sports Association (IRTS)

Shri Swapnil Walenjkar – Secretary, Western Railway Sports Association (IRTS)

Shri Kuldeep Jain – Sr. Deputy General Manager (IRTS)

Shri Neeraj Verma – Principal Chief Safety Officer (IRTS)

Shri Atul Savdhani – Principal Chief Security Commissioner (IRTS)

Shri Sachin Sharma – Secretary to General Manager, Western Railway (IRTS)

Shri Saurav Kumar – Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, Mumbai Division

Ms. Gautami Aroskar – Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee & Coach, Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team, WR

The event also saw enthusiastic participation from Western Railway’s sports teams, including women athletes from Volleyball, Kabaddi, Football, Hockey, and Wrestling—a strong show of solidarity and spirit of teamwork.


🌍 Widespread Impact Across States and Union Territories

Beyond Mumbai, the campaign was celebrated simultaneously across multiple cities and regions in Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu, reinforcing the campaign’s message at a grassroots level. Participating centres included:

SAI NCOE Aurangabad

Khelo India Centres at Bhandara, Dhule, Osmanabad, and Chandrapur

Panjim Cycling Club, Goa

Cycling groups in Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

This expansive and unified regional effort, driven by SAI RC Mumbai, echoed the Fit India Movement’s mission to create a healthier, more active India.

Shri Sat Pal Bhanoo, Managing Director, LIC of India has been entrusted with the financial & administrative powers and functions of LIC’s CEO & MD

As per the letter of Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, dated 07.06.2025, Shri Sat Pal Bhanoo, Managing Director, LIC of India has been entrusted with the financial and administrative powers and functions of the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) for a period of three months w.e.f. June 08, 2025 i.e. upto September 07, 2025 or till assumption of charge of the post by the regular incumbent, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest. 

 

   

Dated at Mumbai on June 8th, 2025.  

 

For Further information please contact : 

Executive Director (CC), LIC of India, Central Office, Mumbai. Email id: ed_cc@licindia.com 

Visit us at www.licindia.in