An A+ show
Shaktikanta Das, governor, Reserve Bank of India, has been rated ‘A+’ for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024, by the Global Finance magazine, informs RBI, through a post on X. The Central Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade the central bank governors of nearly 100 key countries, territories and districts, as well as the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the Central Bank of West African States. Grades are based on an ‘A+’ to ‘F’ scale for success in areas such as inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management, wherein ‘A’ represents an excellent performance, while ‘F’ denotes outright failure. “Central bankers have waged war against inflation over the past few years, wielding their primary weapon: higher interest rates. Now, countries around the world are witnessing the tangible results of these efforts, as inflation has dropped significantly,” said Joseph Giarraputo, founder & editorial director, Global Finance. The annual Central Banker Report Cards honour those bank leaders whose strategies have outperformed their peers through originality, creativity and tenacity.
Boundless opportunities
The first investor meet of the upcoming ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024 was held in Mumbai, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The investor meeting facilitated the signing of MoUs worth over Rs4.5 lakh crore with the Bureau of Industrial Promotion (BIP), the nodal department for organising the investment summit, for making investments in the state. Rajyavardhan Rathore, minister for industries, government of Rajasthan, also was present on the occasion. The investor meeting saw the congregation of top business leaders and industry groups, and witnessed the signing of investment MoUs across a range of sectors such as cement, chemical and petrochemicals, civil aviation, ITI upgradation and renewable energy, among others. The companies and industrial groups with whom the MoUs were signed include Adani, Vedanta, JSW, Tata, Waaree, Dalmia and Star Cement, among others. “The journey towards a ‘Viksit Rajasthan’ is pivotal to achieve the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ @2047. Rajasthan is brimming with immense potential, rich natural resources, skilled talent and boundless opportunities. I invite the investor community, corporations and institutions to our beautiful state and capitalise the momentum,” Sharma said, speaking at the event. “At the very first investor meet of the summit, we have signed MoUs worth over Rs4.5 lakh crore investments in the state. This demonstrates the immense potential of Rajasthan and investors’ strong faith in Rajasthan’s investor-friendly policies. I am confident that we will be able to realise the dream of making the state $350 billion economy in the next five years,” he added.
Momentous occasion
SMFG India Credit Co Ltd, a prominent player in India’s NBFC sector, has announced the opening of its 1,000th branch, located in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. This landmark event underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint across the country and bringing financial services to underpenetrated markets. To mark this milestone, SMFG India Credit has collaborated with India Post to release a special cover and stamp in the presence of YAGI Koji, Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai, Abhijeet Bansode, director, Postal Services (HQ), Maharashtra Circle, alongside Shantanu Mitra, CEO & MD, SMFG India Credit. “The inauguration of our 1,000th branch is a significant milestone that demonstrates our deep commitment to providing formal credit access to people across India and helping them achieve financial independence. As we celebrate this achievement, we have released a special cover with stamp in association with Department of Post, symbolising the significance of the growth achieved by the company so far and the contributions to India’s financial services sector. We have adapted to the changing needs of our customers, while staying true to our mission of enabling access to financial services to all and achieving fulfilled growth”, said Mitra.
Fuelling adventure
MINI India announces the launch of MINISCAPE – an adventure packed weekend driving experience. Conceptualised exclusively for MINI community, MINISCAPE offers unique weekend destination experiences across India. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “MINI is more than just a car. At the heart of MINI is an unstoppable zest for life and a deep-rooted camaraderie that fuels every adventure. MINISCAPE is a celebration of the bond that unites MINI community with a vibrant, joyous experience. It is here that our philosophy for BIG LOVE intersects with the thrill of discovery, turning every journey into a story, every mile into a memory. With MINI, you’re not just in for the drive; you are a part of an adventure that makes life bigger, bolder, and full of unforgettable moments.” MINISCAPE will be organized through MINI’s dealer network spread across India, offering an unparalleled opportunity for MINI owners to embark on adventurous journeys. The locations have been carefully selected to include some of the most scenic destinations within India, ensuring a visually stunning backdrop for every drive. Each MINISCAPE promises to be a tailor-made experience, catering to the diverse preferences of MINI customers, making each journey unique.
Centre of innovation
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is building a hydrogen innovation center in Chennai, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Guidance Tamil Nadu. The 65,000 sq ft facility will be located on the IIT Madras campus in Thaiyur, on the outskirts of Chennai. This new facility is being developed through a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Guidance Tamil Nadu, with the support of the State Government of Tamil Nadu. The hydrogen innovation centre is poised to serve as a catalyst for innovation in the field of hydrogen technology. The virtual ceremony was done by M.K. Stalin, chief minister, Tamil Nadu, in the presence of T.R.B. Rajaa, minister for industries, investment promotion & commerce, as well as other officials from the government and HMIL. “HMIL remains committed to being a strategic partner in Tamil Nadu government’s vision of building a sustainable ecosystem for transition towards alternate fuels. We are hopeful the upcoming hydrogen innovation centre will accelerate hydrogen mobility adoption in Tamil Nadu. HMIL will be investing towards the facility construction at the IIT Madras Thaiyur campus in Chennai. In line with our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, this facility will serve as a key enabler to advance hydrogen as an eco-friendly, emission-less future source of propulsion for mass-mobility solutions,” said Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, whole-time director & chief manufacturing officer (CMO), HMIL.
New role
Amitabh Singh, an Indian Postal Service Officer from the 1995 batch, has officially taken charge as the Chief Postmaster General of the Maharashtra Circle. Singh brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served in various capacities across the country. His extensive career includes pivotal roles in administration, business development, and training. Notably, he has spearheaded technology projects such as the VSAT Money Order System and Postal Life Insurance Computerization during his four years at the Ministry of Communications’ headquarters. His previous positions include Director of Postal Services in Nagpur, Joint Director at the RAKNPA (National Postal Academy), and Lecturer at the Asian Pacific Postal College in Thailand. Additionally, Singh has served as Deputy Director General (Training & Welfare) at the Postal Directorate in New Delhi. Before his recent promotion to Chief Postmaster General of J&K Circle this year, Singh contributed significantly as Postmaster General (Mail and Business Development) at Maharashtra Circle from 2022. “We will use technology to streamline operations in post offices across Maharashtra state,” he said. Fluent in Spanish, Hindi, and English, Singh is well-positioned to drive forward the Maharashtra Circle’s vision and continue its legacy of service to all.