IIM Calcutta Innovation Park Partners with Army Institute of Management Kolkata to Build Next-Generation Startup Ecosystem in West Bengal

A strategic partnership combining academic excellence with incubation expertise, enabling startup creation, industry collaboration and innovation-led entrepreneurship through a proposed DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan.

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), one of India's leading startup incubators, has announced a strategic partnership with Army Institute of Management Kolkata (AIMK) formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the partnership, AIMK and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park will jointly promote entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem in West Bengal by creating a world-class incubation support system while providing access to academic excellence and industry collaborations for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

The partnership will entail outreach and capacity-building initiatives that foster an entrepreneurial mindset and enterprise creation. AIMK will allocate approximately 3,500 to 5,000 square feet within its campus for establishing the DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan that will include state-of-the-art fabrication laboratory, startup co-working spaces and meeting rooms under NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 Scheme, post approval from the DST.

Beyond creating physical infrastructure, the partnership will focus on building a long-term innovation ecosystem through co-incubation programmes, mentor clinics, long-term cohorts for joint ecosystem development, startup scouting, innovation challenges, industry interactions, collaborative research and development (R&D) and faculty development initiatives. 

AIMK will identify promising startups and innovators, and facilitate stakeholder engagement with academic institutions, industry bodies, government agencies and investors. At the same time, IIMCIP will extend technical and strategic programme support, including access to incubation, expert mentorship, market connect networks, funding opportunities where applicable and a dedicated team to support the management of the proposed satellite centre.

Speaking on the partnership, Ajay Jain, Chairman, Board of Directors, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, said, "India's next generation of entrepreneurs will emerge from stronger collaboration between academia, industry and incubation ecosystems and this is an opportune partnership between two of West Bengal’s leading organizations, IIMCIP and AIMK. By combining AIMK's academic strengths with IIMCIP's incubation expertise, we aim to build a vibrant startup ecosystem that empowers young innovators and strengthens West Bengal's entrepreneurial landscape contributing meaningfully to India's innovation-led growth story."

Dr. Samip Baruah, Principal & Officiating Director, Army Institute of Management Kolkata, said, "Entrepreneurship is becoming an essential pillar of management education. Through our partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, we will provide our students and aspiring entrepreneurs with direct access to one of India's leading startup ecosystems. This collaboration will create meaningful opportunities for experiential learning and enterprise creation, preparing them not just as managers of businesses, but as creators of businesses."

Over the years, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park has emerged as one of India's most impactful startup incubation ecosystems, having supported more than 2000 startups, facilitated over ₹2000 crore in follow-on funding, helped create more than 30000 jobs, and built a strong network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, corporate partners and government institutions.

This partnership reflects the shared vision of both institutions to promote knowledge exchange, nurture innovation-driven leadership, strengthen industry-academia collaboration to contribute tangibly towards the growth of a robust startup ecosystem in West Bengal while supporting India's broader innovation and entrepreneurship agenda.

About IIM Calcutta Innovation Park

The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company established under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India. Recognised by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, IIMCIP’s mission is to nurture innovative, socially impactful entrepreneurs who can drive inclusive growth. Its core offerings span structured mentoring, capacity building, seed funding and access to markets and investors. To date, IIMCIP has supported over 2,000 startups and seed-funded 152 ventures, which have collectively raised more than Rs 2,000 crore and built a cumulative portfolio valuation of nearly Rs 8,000 crore. IIMCIP also works closely with government bodies, corporates and academia to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, foster high-impact collaborations and promote women’s entrepreneurship, with a special focus on underserved regions of the country.

About Army Institute of Management Kolkata

For nearly three decades, Army Institute of Management, Kolkata (AIMK) has been shaping young minds into confident, competent and responsible management professionals. Established in 1997 by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), New Delhi, AIMK carries forward a distinctive legacy where academic excellence meets the enduring values of discipline, integrity and commitment.

Located in New Town, Kolkata, the Institute offers an intellectually stimulating environment that encourages students to learn, question, innovate and lead. Its AICTE-approved MBA programme and BBA programme, affiliated to MAKAUT, West Bengal, integrates strong academic foundations with experiential learning, industry interaction, case-based pedagogy and professional exposure.

What truly distinguishes AIMK is its unique Army ethos, reflected not only in its institutional culture but also in its approach to developing character, leadership and a sense of responsibility. With students drawn from diverse backgrounds, the campus fosters collaboration, inclusivity and a broad understanding of the contemporary business world.

As AIMK continues its journey of excellence, the Institute remains committed to creating future-ready leaders who combine managerial competence with character, purpose and social responsibility, leaders prepared not merely to succeed in the world of business, but to make a meaningful difference to society.

Amul to Build World’s Largest Curd Plant in Bengal, Driving White Revolution 2.0

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the world’s largest curd production plant under the ₹700 crore Amul Bengal Dairy Project in Kolkata, marking a major milestone in India’s White Revolution 2.0 and cooperative-led growth. The project will process 30 lakh litres of milk daily and empower over 1.25 lakh farmers in West Bengal.

West Bengal’s dairy sector is undergoing rapid expansion, led by Amul’s ₹700 crore Bengal Dairy Project in Howrah, but several other cooperative and private initiatives are also strengthening the state’s milk processing and value‑addition infrastructure.

Before the mega‑plant, Amul operated via third‑party processors in Bengal. Over 200 new dairy cooperative societies registered under White Revolution 2.0 in 2026, expanding grassroots milk procurement.

Amul’s fully owned facility marks a shift from outsourced processing to direct asset ownership, ensuring quality and supply chain control.

Key Highlights of Amul Bengal Dairy Project

Amul Bengal Dairy Project

• Investment: Approximately ₹700 crore at Howrah Food Park
• Capacity:
  • 30 lakh litres of milk per day
  • 1,000 metric tonnes (10 lakh kg) of curd daily
  • 10 lakh litres packaged milk
  • 2 lakh litres UHT milk
  • 1 lakh litres ice cream
  • 20 tonnes paneer
  • 10 tonnes ghee
  • 10 tonnes sweets
  • 2.5 lakh packs of flavoured milk daily
• Employment & Farmers: Benefits over 1.25 lakh milk producers, including 30,000 women farmers, with daily procurement of 9 lakh litres of milk

Strategic Significance

• White Revolution 2.0: Reinforces Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation)
• Industrial Revival in Bengal: Catalyst for West Bengal’s industrial resurgence
• Cooperative Strengthening: Expands Amul’s cooperative network, ensuring better price realization and sustainable markets for farmers

Programme Announcements

• e-RCS Portal: Digitizes cooperative society registration and administration for transparency and accessibility
• New Cooperatives: Certificates presented to 200+ Dairy Cooperative Societies and 11 Multipurpose Rural Cooperative Societies
• Warehouses: Foundation stones laid for 14 warehouses (1,400 MT capacity) across 10 districts; inauguration of two warehouses in South 24 Parganas and Cooch Behar
• MoU: Signed between Bharat Taxi and West Bengal’s DoIT&E for mobility service expansion

Impact on West Bengal’s Dairy Sector

• Value Addition: Modern processing and packaging facilities will enhance product diversity and quality
• Farmer Empowerment: Provides assured markets, higher incomes, and opportunities for women farmers
• Economic Boost: Strengthens rural storage, cooperative administration, and mobility services, creating jobs and expanding rural infrastructure

The Amul Bengal Dairy Project is not just a dairy plant—it is a symbol of cooperative-led industrial growth, farmer empowerment, and Bengal’s integration into India’s renewed White Revolution. With Amit Shah’s Bhoomi Pujan, the state’s dairy sector is poised for transformation, offering both economic opportunities and social upliftment.

West Bengal Eyes EMC 2.0 to Boost Electronics Manufacturing

The West Bengal government is exploring ways to expand its electronics manufacturing footprint by leveraging the Centre’s EMC 2.0 scheme, which provides financial support for infrastructure development in electronics clusters, reported Economic Times citing that officials have indicated that the state will prioritize upgrading existing clusters at Naihati (70 acres) and Falta (58 acres) rather than waiting for new land banks to be developed.

The Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) scheme, launched in April 2020 by India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT, provides financial support to create world‑class infrastructure for electronics manufacturing, including plug‑and‑play factory sheds and common facility centres, with funding available until March 2028.

Existing Cluster Expansion

• Naihati cluster (North 24 Parganas) and Falta cluster (South 24 Parganas) were established under EMC 1.0.
• Both clusters are strategically located near Kolkata, offering proximity to ports and logistics hubs.
• The state government is seeking Centre’s financial assistance to modernize these clusters with plug‑and‑play factory sheds, common testing facilities, and logistics support.

EMC 2.0 Scheme Highlights

• Launched in 2020, valid till March 2028.
• Provides 50% project cost support, capped at ₹70 crore per 100 acres, with a maximum of ₹350 crore per project.
• Offers 75% support for Common Facility Centres (CFCs), capped at ₹75 crore.
• Eligible applicants include state governments, PSUs, industrial development corporations, and joint ventures with anchor units.

Scheme Feature	Details
Duration	8 years (till March 2028)
Funding	50% of project cost (₹70 crore per 100 acres cap)
CFC Support	75% of project cost, capped at ₹75 crore
Objective	Infrastructure for electronics manufacturing clusters
Anchor Requirement	At least one major investor to drive ecosystem

State’s Strategic Focus

• Policy shift: Fast‑track expansion by upgrading existing clusters instead of waiting for new land acquisition.
• Anchor investments: Talks with potential investors in semiconductors, data centres, and IT‑enabled services.
• Policy alignment: Drafting new policies for data centres and land acquisition to complement EMC 2.0.

National Context

• India is pushing to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing, with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh attracting major investments.
• West Bengal’s move to leverage EMC 2.0 could position it as a regional competitor, especially given its port connectivity and skilled workforce.

Implications

• Faster rollout: Upgrading existing clusters avoids delays in land acquisition.
• Investment magnet: Ready‑built infrastructure could attract global electronics firms.
• Regional competitiveness: Positions West Bengal alongside leading states in India’s electronics push.

Adani to Invest $26m in New Cement Plant at Kharagpur by 2028

Adani Group will invest over US$26 million (approx. ₹217 crore) in a new greenfield cement plant in Kharagpur, West Bengal, with a planned capacity of 5 million tonnes per year, expected to be operational by 2028. The project revives a stalled ACC proposal from 2012 and marks Adani’s continued expansion in eastern India.

Key Project Details

• Investment Size: US$26m (₹217 crore approx.)
• Location: Kharagpur, West Bengal
• Land Area: 80–198 acres (reports vary)
• Capacity: 5 million tonnes per annum (5Mt/yr)
• Operational Timeline: Targeted for 2028
• Type: Grinding plant (due to investment scale)

Background & Context

• The original proposal was made by ACC in 2012 but lapsed when construction failed to begin within five years.
• After Adani’s acquisition of ACC in 2023, the group reapplied for the land and revived the project.
• Adani has also invested in upgrades at Farakka and Sankrail plants, boosting capacities to 5.6Mt and 4.2Mt respectively.

 Strategic Importance

Factor	Details
Regional Expansion	Strengthens Adani’s footprint in eastern India, especially West Bengal.
Supply Chain	Supports demand in eastern and northeastern states, reducing reliance on imports.
Employment	Expected to generate hundreds of direct jobs and many indirect opportunities.
Competition	Positions Adani against UltraTech and Shree Cement in the region.

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory Approvals: Awaiting cabinet clearance in West Bengal.
• Timeline Risks: Large-scale projects often face delays in land acquisition and environmental clearances.
• Market Competition: Cement demand growth in eastern India is steady but competitive.

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Shyam Metalics Expands CRM Facility, Targets Solar, Auto & Consumer Durables Segments

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited, one of India’s leading integrated metal producers, today announced the successful commissioning of Phase II of its Cold Rolling Mill (CRM) facility for colour coated sheets at its Jamuria plant in West Bengal. The facility, operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, Shyam Sel and Power Limited (SSPL), has commenced commercial production effective 16th April 2026.

Phase II comprises an advanced processing Dual Pot GI cum Galvalume (GL) line with a capacity of 0.15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), significantly enhancing the Company’s product range and technical capabilities. This expansion marks a critical step towards catering to more demanding and precision-driven applications across industries. With this incremental capacity, the total installed capacity of the CRM facility reached to 0.40 MTPA. This includes the existing Phase I capacity of 0.25 MTPA and the newly commissioned Phase II capacity, further strengthening the Company’s footprint in the value-added steel segment.

With this development, Shyam Metalics is now strategically positioned to cater the solar energy sector, particularly in the manufacturing of mounting structures for solar panels, an area that was previously heavily dependent on imports. By addressing this gap, the Company is actively contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance and domestic manufacturing excellence.

The Phase II expansion also aligns with the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme – PLI 2, reinforcing Shyam Metalics’ commitment to national initiatives aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing and reducing import dependency.

In addition to renewable energy applications, the enhanced facility will cater to a broader spectrum of high-growth sectors, including automotive and consumer durables/appliances, where demand for high-quality, precision-engineered steel continues to rise and has been primarily import-dependent.

This strategic expansion not only deepens Shyam Metalics’ presence in downstream value-added products but also strengthens its integrated manufacturing ecosystem. With improved product diversification and market reach, the Company is well-positioned to unlock new revenue streams while supporting India’s industrial and infrastructure growth trajectory.

The expanded facility, strategically located in the eastern region of India, offers significant logistical advantages, enabling Shyam Metalics to efficiently serve key demand centres while addressing the region’s supply gap in value-added flat steel products. This Phase II expansion further strengthens the Company’s downstream capabilities and reinforces its position as a leading player in the steel value chain.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Brij Bhushan Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, of Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd., stated, “The commissioning of Phase II of our Flat Products project is a strategic step towards strengthening our value-added product portfolio and improving overall realizations. With this expansion, we are further strengthening our ability to cater to high-growth, high-margin segments such as solar, automotive and consumer durables.

This phase is expected to drive a better product mix, support margin expansion, and contribute meaningfully to incremental EBITDA over the medium term. Our inclusion under the Government’s PLI Scheme further enhances the overall return profile of the project.

We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation, with a strong pipeline of value-accretive expansions under evaluation and expect optimal ramp-up within the next 10–12 months.”

About Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited

Shyam Metalics is a leading and fastest-growing integrated metal-producing company based in India primarily in the steel Industry in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh with a focus on Long Steel Products, Ferro Alloys, Aluminium and Stainless Steel. The company got listed itself on the exchanges in 2021 and as on date of this press release possesses a market capitalization of more than ₹ 24,500 Cr. Spearheaded by Mr. B. Bhushan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, the company strives to deliver unparalleled quality through their customised value-added solutions to meet business requirements. Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, the company is amongst the largest producers of ferro alloys in terms of installed capacity in India (Source: CRISIL Report).

The company has the ability to sell intermediate and final products across the steel value chain. Shyam Metalics is one of the leading players in terms of pellet capacity and the largest coal fired player in the sponge iron industry in terms of sponge iron capacity in India. As on date, the aggregate installed metal capacity of its manufacturing plants is 16.78 MTPA (comprising intermediate and final products) and having 467 MW aggregated installed capacity captive power plants.

Samsung Strengthens Future-Tech Skilling in West Bengal with Major Certification Drive

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today reinforced its commitment to developing future-ready talent in West Bengal by felicitating 750 students under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme at Brainware University, Kolkata.

As part of Samsung’s mission to skill 20,000 youth across India in 2025, the latest batch includes 400 graduates in AI Coding & Programming and 350 in Artificial Intelligence (AI)—equipping young aspirants with industry-relevant digital capabilities that will drive India’s technology future.

The ceremony was graced by Prof. Sankar Gangopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Brainware University, and Mr. Saroj Aapto, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), along with Samsung leadership and faculty members.

West Bengal Emerging as a Tech-Talent Growth Hub

West Bengal has a rich legacy in engineering and science, and the state is rapidly nurturing a thriving digital economy. Samsung’s skilling initiatives aim to strengthen the region’s talent pool and expand workforce readiness in high-demand technologies.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Samsung Innovation Campus offers training in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Coding & Programming, aligning closely with the Government of India’s Skill India and Digital India missions.

The programme emphasises inclusivity—with 44% women participation nationally—and strong outreach to aspirational districts and semi-urban areas, ensuring youth from diverse backgrounds can access opportunities in the digital age.

A Larger Mission for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

With events now conducted across 10 states, including recent felicitation in Gorakhpur, the SIC programme is rapidly building a future-skilled workforce in partnership with accredited training organisation ESSCI, ensuring:Industry-aligned learning
Soft-skills development
Career guidance and placement support.

Alongside SIC, Samsung’s DOST (Digital & Offline Skills Training) programme continues to help youth secure frontline retail careers—strengthening employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-strengthens-future-tech-skilling-in-west-bengal-with-major-certification-drive

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Bangur Concrete Launches 26th RMC Plant to Power Kolkata’s Infrastructure and Real Estate Boom

Bangur Concrete, part of the ‘Bangur’ Master Brand of Shree Cement Ltd., has commissioned a new Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plant in Baidyabati, Kolkata. With a production capacity of 60 cubic meters per hour, the launch expands the company’s nationwide network to 26 RMC plants.

The Baidyabati plant has been developed to cater to the region’s rising infrastructure, industrial, and real estate needs by delivering reliable, high-quality, and performance-driven concrete. Located strategically within the Hooghly district, the facility is well-positioned to ensure timely supply to key projects across Kolkata and its surrounding growth corridors.

Commenting on the development, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement Ltd., said, “West Bengal is an important market with strong potential in both urban and industrial development. The commissioning of our new Ready-Mix Concrete plant in Baidyabati strengthens our presence in eastern India and reiterates our commitment to supporting the state’s growth ambitions. This facility reflects our focus on providing sustainable, high-quality construction solutions while contributing to India’s infrastructure progress.”

RMC Plant

With the addition of the Baidyabati unit, Bangur Concrete now operates 26 RMC plants across India, each featuring advanced batching systems, stringent quality control, and eco-compliant processes to ensure consistency, efficiency, and operational excellence.

The new facility integrates modern batching technology, optimized material handling, and efficient logistics to accelerate project timelines with lower environmental impact. This expansion reinforces Bangur Concrete’s mission of advancing green construction practices while supporting India’s transition towards a low-carbon future.

About Shree Cement Limited

One of the leading cement groups in India, Shree Cement Limited (‘SCL’) (BSE: 500387/ NSE: SHREECEM) is known for its industry leading green credentials, cutting edge innovative practices and cost leadership. It follows ‘highest standards of Corporate Governance and has a long history of enjoying stakeholders’ trust. Shree Cement is known for its high-quality products which are manufactured at advance manufacturing facilities across India and UAE. It is determined to deliver the most sustainable building material solutions to its consumers.

Reliance Industries Announced ₹50,000 Cr Investment In West Bengal By 2030

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a fresh investment commitment of ₹50,000 crore in West Bengal by 2030. This investment aims to create 1 lakh jobs and will focus on digital services, green energy, and retail. Ambani made this announcement at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025.

 

Image - Socialnews.xyz

The ₹50,000 crore investment will be spread across digital services, green energy, and retail. This aligns with Reliance's broader vision of promoting sustainable development and leveraging technology for economic growth.

The investment is expected to generate 1 lakh jobs in the state, significantly boosting employment opportunities.

Reliance has already invested ₹50,000 crore in West Bengal over the past decade, and this new commitment represents an additional ₹50,000 crore by the end of this decade.

Mukesh Ambani made this announcement at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, emphasizing Reliance's commitment to driving economic growth in the state.

Ambani also highlighted that Reliance's Jio network now covers 100% of West Bengal's population and that an AI-ready data center will be operational in nine months.

This investment is a significant step towards transforming Bengal's business landscape and fostering economic development in the region.

Besides Reliance Industries, The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group has also committed ₹10,000 crore in new investments, focusing on sectors like energy, healthcare, and education.

ITC has also invested over ₹7,500 crore across 18 manufacturing facilities and multiple hotels in West Bengal.

Ambuja Neotia Group has also announced an ambitious investment plan of over ₹15,000 crore over the next five years, spanning healthcare, hospitality, tourism, residential and commercial real estate, and a golf-themed township. JSW Group plans to invest ₹16,000 crore in a 1,600 MW power plant in Shalboni, Midnapore.

Soon A Steel Factory by Saurav Ganguly

Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly has announced plans to turn into industrialist as he is starting a steel factory in Salboni, West Bengal. The steel factory would be completed in five to six months, reported several media outlets via news agency PTI.

Ganguly was part of a delegation accompanying West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her trip to Spain and Dubai.

Ganguly said that he started a small steel plant in 2007, and in five to six months will start building our new steel plant in Medinipore.

The former Indian cricket team captain informed that in another year's time, he would be able to complete the state-of-the-art facility.

"We have just started building our third steel plant in the state of west bengal… A lot of us believe that I only played the sport, but we started a small steel plant in 2007…" said Ganguly while addressing the 'Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)' in Madrid.

Saurav Ganguly had invested in few Indian startups as well including Flickstree, ClassPlus and most recently acquired a minority stake in food delivery platform JustMyRoots.

According to Registrar of Companies, Saurav Ganguly also owns few private limited companies such as Sourav Ganguly Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Nilachal Barter Pvt Ltd and Balaji Realspace Pvt Ltd. 

Union Bank of India Signs MoU with Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (CS-CoE), Deptt. of IT & Electronics, Govt. of West Bengal

Union Bank of India today entered into MoU with Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (CS-CoE), Department of IT & Electronics, Govt. of West Bengal under Bank’s Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (CCoE) initiative, according to which Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, West Bengal will provide information, cyber security awareness and other training material/content which will be utilized by Bank for cyber security awareness programs / workshops for the Bank’s stakeholders.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Union Bank of India and Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, Department of IT & Electronics Govt of West Bengal at a virtual event held through video conferencing at the Bank’s Central Office in Mumbai and at Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, Govt of West Bengal, Kolkata. 

The event was attended by MD & CEO Ms A. Manimekhalai, all the Executive Directors – Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Shri Rajneesh Karnatak, Shri Nidhu Saxena and Shri Ramasubramanian S and Chief Information Security Officer Shri K M Reddy. Shri Sanjay Kumar Das, Member Secretary, Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, Department of IT & Electronics, Govt. of West Bengal attended from Kolkata.

The content provided for the Information/ Cyber Security Awareness shall be used by the Bank for various delivery channels like Social Media, Banks website, Emails, Media, E-Magazines, Radio, Booklets etc.

National Internet Exchange NIXI Introducing Internet Exchanges in Durgapur and Bardhaman to Improve the Quality of Internet & Broadband Services in West Bengal and Nearby Regions

Taking Digital opportunities to tier 2 / 3 cities is an article of faith for Narendra Modi Government : Rajeev Chandrasekhar

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India vision to connect every Indian with an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar- Minister of State, Electronics and Information Technology, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India in presence of Shri S S Ahluwalia, Member of Parliament Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha will be inaugurating two new Internet Exchange points (IXP) of NIXI at Durgapur and Vardhman. It’s an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) vision of 1000 days.

The first Internet Exchange in the state of Kolkata is also run by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI). It is now expanding its footprint in the state by launching the two new Internet Exchange Points at Durgapur and Bardhaman. The inauguration will be at The Citi Residenci, City Centre, Durgapur.

The launch of these new NIXI internet exchanges in state will contribute to the enhancement and improvement of Internet and Broadband services at local level and in neighbouring regions. The internet service providers connecting at these points will benefit as their broadband services to their end users will improve, bringing about a change in the lives of the people of the region. Opening of these new IXPs will benefit every sector of the state ranging from health, education, agriculture, startup, ecosystem to MSMEs & other business verticals. Accessibility and convenience will increase for citizens in terms of availing government benefits and improving quality of life. The 2 new Internet Exchange nodes from NIXI are certain to boost the state’s Internet ecology.

In order to improve the overall Indian internet ecosystem and give internet users access to it at a low cost with improved speed, NIXI plans to install such internet exchanges in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in the near future. All Internet Service Providers are invited by NIXI to establish peering at any of its nodes and support the domestic Internet ecosystem. Taking Digital opportunities to tier 2 / 3 cities is an article of faith for Narendra Modi Government. It is our duty to ensure that the power of internet empowers all with an approach - ‘No one is left Behind’, said Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a statement issued through a release.

Bengal to Switch to Lease Model for Procuring Electric Buses

The West Bengal government has decided to switch to "lease model" for procuring new electric buses to overcome high initial capital expenditure, a senior official of the state Transport department said.

Under leasing or an opex model the bus would be operated by the state Transport department and ticketing responsibility will stay with them and would pay the rental based on per kilometre basis through a competitive tendering basis, the official said.

"We will now procure 50 new electric buses on dry lease. This is an opex model compared to previous acquisitions on a capex model," Transport Secretary N S Nigam told PTI.

He said leasing will be based on per kilometre basis and responsibility of ticketing will lie with the department.

Electricity cost will be borne by the state government and for that government was planning more charging stations.

The state government will also bring tariff reforms for the charging stations as electricity tariff for charging electric vehicles may be different. Currently, utilities have different tariffs for household, commercial and industrial uses.

The state transport department has 80 electric buses which are plying on the city roads of Kolkata and New Town.

The Niti Aayog had issued a model concession agreement for public private partnership (PPP) aimed at the operation and maintenance of electric buses in cities across the country.

The model concession agreement will help to push zero emission vehicles and achieve significant electrification of vehicles by 2030.

Under this model, the holder of concession will be required to incur the necessary capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the procurement of electric buses, and operation and maintenance infrastructure and the authority will incur operational expenditure on per kilometre basis.

Microsoft E-Commerce Platform to Connect 6 Lakh Bengal Weavers

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said Microsoft India is set to create an e-commerce platform that will connect six lakh weavers of the state.

The tech giant had announced the launch of a new e-commerce platform for handloom weavers under its 'Project ReWeave', as part of its philanthropic initiative."This project will begin from Nadia district and help spur weavers' income by 25 per cent," Banerjee told reporters at an event here.

The platform would help artisans connect directly with buyers, enabling them to expand to newer customers and markets, she said.

The e-marketplace would help sell to a broad set of customers, support weavers in increasing their income, while also reviving traditional forgotten Indian art, Microsoft India said.

Banerjee also said Microsoft will undertake the 'Project Sangam' here, which seeks to empower municipal functionaries to run community training courses.

Besides, the company, in association with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), has curated a special curriculum in 'CAD and Colour for Handloom Weaving' to provide digital training in handloom design.

At the same event, the chief minister said Wipro has been offered 50 acres of land for a new complex at Rajarhat. PTI BSM

Kolkata's BCC&I ties with China Development Bank-backed PE Fund Infinity to boost Startups in W.Bengal

Kolkata, West Bengal-based Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) has signed an MoU with the Infinity Group, a private equity fund backed by China Development Bank, to boost the technology and startup ecosystem in West Bengal, as 53% of startups in the state are in incubation stage, reported Business Standard.

As per the signed MoU, Companies in IT & Technology, Startup ventures and International Trade delegates referred by BCC&I, can utilize and leverage state of art facilities of Infinity Business Centre for co-working offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms, training rooms at special rates for a mutually specified time agreed upon.

Indrajit Sen, president of the Bengal Chamber, said, "The objective is to encourage entrepreneurship and facilitate deserving potential entrepreneurs a platform to initiate Start Ups which would be a contribution to the Tech Start Up Movement of the State."

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Infinity has its offices in Beijing and over 16 other location. The firm focuses on investing in companies based in China, Israel and North America within the information technology, communications, life sciences, healthcare devices, healthcare services, biotechnology, agriculture, agritech, materials, manufacturing, energy, clean-tech, internet, gaming, semiconductors and wireless technologies sectors.

Established in 1853, BCC&I also arranged a special Japan hour to collaborate with that country with special focus on start-ups called the "Indo-Japan Start-up Hub".

Established by the agreements of the governments and activities of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Indo Japan Start-up Hub at Bengaluru started its operations in May 2018.

The partnership is expected to bring unique and quality products and solutions built jointly between India and Japan at global stage, Sen said.

Besides making special connect with JETRO in facilitating technology-focused business-to-busineses connects, BCC&I is also in discussion with JETRO for collaborations on Webel-BCC&I Tech Incubation Centre to extend enabling ecosystem to incubates, said Arnab Basu, Chairperson, IT Committee, The Bengal Chamber.