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ISA task force of corporates on innovation holds first meet
New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) A task force of corporates on innovation set up by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has held its first meeting here chaired by Japanese multinational SoftBank Corp Chairman Masayoshi Son, a SoftBank statement said on Sunday.
The task force, set up last month, is supposed to give recommendations to promote innovation in areas like solar finance, solar technologies, solar applications, innovations, research and development (R&D) and capacity building.
“The first meeting of the Global Leadership Task Force of Corporates on Innovation constituted by the ISA was convened yesterday (Saturday) evening in New Delhi,” the statement said.
“The task force will further aid in developing a proper innovation strategy to address challenges faced by the member countries and partner countries of ISA.
“This is a private sector-led task force under ISA chaired by SoftBank. Its members include GE from the US, TOTAL from France, LG Chem from South Korea, GCL from China, SMA from Germany and State Bank of India from India,” it said.
A key focus area of the task force is to establish Solar Technology Application and Resource-Centre (STAR-C) centres of excellence in ISA member countries for creating local capacity for solar innovation, solar R&D, standards, testing, certification, quality control and skills building, it added.
Indian industry chamber Ficci organised the meeting as the convenor and secretariat of the task force, which will continue meeting every quarter.
Among the action points identified at the meeting were developing an innovation strategy for ISA member countries, identifying 6 STAR centres of global excellence, and initiating a Financial Innovation Mission focusing on microfinance, credit enhancement mechanisms, green bonds, among others, to work alongside each Technology Mission, the release said.
“To fulfil its objectives, the task force decided to initiate 4 solar technology missions in the areas of solar modules, storage systems, electrical systems (inverters, transformers) and grids in order to help implementation of ISA programmes in member countries,” it said.
Following the meeting, Masayoshi Son said in a statement: “This task force will be the key driver in initiating large-scale solar transformation in all the member countries. Our aim is to expand the footprint of ISA to include many more corporates, and to facilitate this transformative action globally.”
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.