Archives April 2024

The newly inaugurated Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Airport in Gwalior stands as a testament to visionary design and meticulous planning. Under the esteemed leadership of Prof. Charanjit S. Shah and Ar. Gurpreet S. Shah, from Creative Group LLP, this remarkable project, completed in a mere 16-month period. It stands as a testament to the exceptional collaboration and determination of all parties involved.

Gwalior Airport redefines excellence through its breathtaking architectural elements, featuring a sleek and modern terminal building alongside eco-friendly design features. Sustainable practices like solar panels, eco-friendly properties of Zinc, and rainwater harvesting systems reduce the carbon footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious architecture. Zinc’s high reflectivity minimizes heat absorption, reducing the need for extensive cooling systems and lowering energy consumption. Additionally, the lightweight nature of zinc panels simplifies installation and reduces structural loads, further enhancing the airport’s sustainability profile.

Dr. Rahul Sharma, Director (India) of the International Zinc Association, emphasized the crucial role of infrastructure in driving a country’s growth and development. India is seeing massive infrastructure expansion because of the government’s efforts and notable projects. As per CECRI, India loses around 3 to 4% of GDP annually on account of corrosion. Driven by the imperative of ensuring the longevity and protection of a nation’s vital infrastructure, the International Zinc Association advocates for the adoption of durable and proven corrosion protection methods, such as structural galvanization in all their construction.”

“The success of the Gwalior Airport project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and sustainability led to the incorporation of zinc, a versatile metal with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, into the airport’s architectural elements. Regular brainstorming sessions and design workshops facilitated open communication and idea-sharing, allowing the team to overcome challenges and explore new possibilities.” Says Ar. Gurpreet S. Shah, Creative Group LLP

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, zinc plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable construction practices at Gwalior Airport. Its durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability align with the airport’s commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency. The roofing of the airport, crafted using zinc panels, epitomizes the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality. These panels not only provide weatherproofing and corrosion resistance but also contribute to the airport’s energy efficiency. As travelers embark on journeys through Gwalior Airport, they are greeted not only by world-class facilities and impeccable design but also by a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As the significant occasion of Gudi Padwa approaches, Reliance Jewels, one of India’s leading and rapidly expanding jewellery brands, is excited to announce the launch of its latest jewellery collection, designed to add extra sparkle to your celebrations. The new Gudi Padwa range, inspired by ancient patterns and contemporary designs, exudes timeless elegance and honours the spirit of new beginnings.

Gudi Padwa, which marks the arrival of spring and the traditional New Year in Maharashtra, is a time for celebration, prosperity, and togetherness. In keeping with the festive atmosphere, our collection includes a breathtaking selection of meticulously created necklaces and earrings that flawlessly combine cultural history and modern aesthetics.

The GudiPadwa collection stuns with intricate designs and handcrafted details. Each piece perfectly complements the festive spirit, whether you prefer a classic or contemporary look, these pieces will add a touch of sophistication and ensure you shine on this auspicious occasion.

Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram launched the Bone Marrow Transplant unit today to provide exceptional clinical excellence for patients in Gurugram and surrounding areas for bone-related diseases that have few options other than treatment with a bone marrow transplant. The team at the hospital leading the department is headed by Dr Meet Kumar, Clinical Director, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Marengo Asia Hospitals. He is supported by Dr Neeraj Teotia, Consultant- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant.

Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram has been consistently raising increased awareness and busting a few myths about blood-related disorders and the recent advancements made in the treatment of ailments. Highlighting the fact that hardly 10% of the population is aware of the symptoms and treatment modalities for blood-related ailments, the hospital has hosted several events to amplify the rising number of cases of blood-related diseases.

Dr Meet Kumar, Clinical Director, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram said “Blood disorders are one of the most fatal forms of cancer that severely impacts the quality of life. Raising awareness that these diseases can be permanently cured through Bone Marrow Transplant is crucial. With recent technological advancements, previously considered deadly blood disorders such as Acute Leukaemia, Multiple Myeloma, Aplastic Anaemia, Thalassemia Major, sickle cell disease, and various other cancers can now be successfully treated with Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) when conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy fail.”

BMT is indicated for various conditions, including blood cancers, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, immune deficiencies, aplastic anemia, certain autoimmune disorders, and, more recently, some solid Tumors such as brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and sarcomas. Common symptoms of blood disorders that require BMT include thalassaemic patients requiring monthly blood transfusions from the age of six months, aplastic anemia patients presenting with weakness, tiredness, persistent fever, or bleeding spots on the body, and blood cancer patients experiencing weakness, tiredness, increased infection risk, and bleeding.

With the progress in hematology and stem cell transplantation, Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) have emerged as the ultimate life-saving remedy for even previously untreatable and potentially deadly conditions. The bone marrow plays a crucial role in blood cell production, and BMT involves the replacement of damaged or dysfunctional bone marrow with healthy cells. This procedure is broadly classified into two types: Allogenic, which utilizes a donor with compatible tissue, and Autologous, wherein the patient’s stem cells are used. Recent advancements have enabled the viability of haploidentical transplants, where successful transplantation is achievable even with a donor tissue match of just 50% or partial identity. Such innovations have significantly reduced the waiting time for many patients urgently requiring a BMT.

Dr. Raajiv Singhal, Managing Director & Group CEO, of Marengo Asia Hospitals said “As we inaugurate our Bone Marrow Transplant unit today, we embark on a journey of amplifying awareness regarding blood-related disorders and the advanced treatment modalities; a journey of hope, healing, and pioneering medical care; and to aid the common public with the right information and awareness. We reinforce our commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions, pushing the boundaries to offer renewed hope to families battling bone marrow disorders. Through the advocacy of preventive measures/recognizing early symptoms and the dissemination of insights into modern and advanced treatment modalities, armed with super-specialized clinical excellence and skilled professionals, our mission encompasses mitigating the prevalence of this ailment.”

Neeta Rajwar, Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram said, “Marengo Asia Hospital remains resolutely committed to steering public health discourse through initiatives akin to this awareness assembly. By fortifying understanding and response to advanced treatment modalities to cure blood disorders, the hospital actively contributes to a more robust, enlightened, and resilient community, better equipped to counter the adversity of such deadly ailments.”

In India, approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) are performed each year now in contrast to only 500, 3 years ago. However, the demand for BMT far exceeds the number of transplants being conducted. The scarcity is primarily due to a lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled physicians. Bone Marrow Transplants (BMTs) are on a steady rise in India, with about 2,500 transplants being performed yearly unlike five years ago when it was less than 500. The number of BMT centers is increasing, and the rapid expansion of bone marrow transplant centers with enhanced infrastructure has been significant. This development has increased the accessibility of super-specialized clinical excellence and improved the efficiency of procedures with advanced techniques and technology.

MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5th April 2024 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced that it has completed the transaction to acquire Global Insurance Brokers (GIB). The transaction significantly expands Aon’s existing capabilities in India to help clients navigate volatility and make better decisions.

GIB is now wholly owned by Aon and will formally integrate with Aon India Insurance Brokers (AIIB) following the finalization of the National Company Law Tribunal merger process which is expected later this year. In the interim, GIB will operate independently as an Aon company. Rishi Mehra, head of Aon for India, will join the GIB board as its chairman subject to customary approvals. Jon Pipe, CEO and principal officer of AIIB and GIB’s existing executive leadership team, will work closely with Mehra to help clients make better decisions to protect and grow their businesses.

“This is an exciting milestone in Aon’s journey in India and reflects our commitment to the Indian market,” said Mehra. “The exceptional talent and breadth of capabilities across our two firms will create opportunities for our colleagues and expand our ability to better serve the growing needs of our clients.”

The acquisition strengthens Aon’s existing broking and advisory capabilities across the commercial risk, health and reinsurance markets, which combined with Aon’s talent consulting business, creates an integrated team of over 1,100 colleagues across Aon in India working together to accelerate our Aon United strategy. Following the finalisation of the merger process, GIB will transition to Aon’s brand.

“India presents significant opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Pipe. “GIB and Aon share common values and a firm commitment to client excellence. We are excited to come together to help clients face today’s rapidly changing and increasingly complex and interconnected challenges.”

Prabodh Thakker, outgoing chairman of GIB, said: “The objective of GIB has always been to bring world-class business practices to India and to create value for its clients and colleagues. The Indian insurance market has evolved significantly during my time as GIB’s leader and Aon’s ability to deliver capabilities in Risk Capital and Human Capital makes them well-placed to take the business forward. GIB clients will benefit from Aon’s global resources and advanced capabilities while GIB colleagues will have exciting new opportunities to deliver client value in a dynamic market.”

inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform after pioneering an empowering initiative this International Women’s Day with the launch of their Driving Naari campaign, launched the video to create awareness around the same.

At its core, the DrivingNaari campaign is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement challenging entrenched gender stereotypes within the ride-hailing industry. This purpose-driven project by inDrive has been launched with a mission to challenge injustice and encourage women to become professional drivers and give them access to remunerative ‘livelihoods with dignity’

In its 3-minute brand film, inDrive shows the challenges faced by women in their daily lives and how this initiative by inDrive will help them by providing them equal opportunities in the field of driving as a career. The heartbeat of the campaign lies in providing a platform for women from all walks of life from all over India to register for the Drive DrivingNaari program and take up commercial driving as a career option to become independent drivers and find their dream job on the road.

“Driving Naari is about empowering women to push boundaries and discover their true potential behind the wheel. It’s about driving change. By empowering women to take up driving as a career, inDrive is not only reshaping the ride-hailing landscape but also paving the way for the future where gender equality reigns supreme on the road” said Avik Karmakar, GTM Manager, South Asia, drive

New Delhi, 5th April 2024 EPOS, the premium global audio brand, today announces the IMPACT 800, the ultimate companion for modern, desk-working professionals. The IMPACT 800 series is the latest addition to EPOS’ enterprise audio portfolio, which caters to every office environment. This on-ear, USB, wired headset is designed to improve focus and boost productivity in the open spaces that are now commonplace in the office and when working from home.

From chattering colleagues to barking dogs and noisy devices, open offices and home working spaces can be full of sound clutter. While it often goes unnoticed, brains can undergo significant strain when struggling to process digital audio in noisy environments, leading to fatigue, lost productivity, and a loss of concentration. This is why EPOS developed the IMPACT 800 to support the brain’s natural way of processing sound.

Leveraging EPOS BrainAdapt™, a group of pioneering technologies, the IMPACT 800 addresses the challenges of taking calls in a busy environment. Minimizing the effort spent on listening and understanding, the product mitigates brain fatigue by reducing disruptive sounds. It enables wearers to unlock new levels of productivity, increasing efficiency by 40%1.

Other key features include:

• Enhance focus: The IMPACT 800 is built on EPOS BrainAdapt™, a group of pioneering technologies that work together with hybrid adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and industry-leading voice pickup powered by EPOS AI™ to improve cognitive performance. The device cuts down noise and helps the brain focus – even in busy open office environments.
• Designed for comfort and ease of use: The IMPACT 800 has a lightweight design, soft breathable cushions, and headband padding that allow for all-day wearing comfort. Additionally, smart features and plug-and-play connectivity via USB-C cable make using the headset intuitive and hassle-free.
• Crystal clear sound: Based on more than 8,000 parameters in three beamforming microphones – sophisticated algorithms powered by 2nd Generation EPOS AI™ update noise-canceling filters every 4th millisecond to ensure a clear and natural sound is transmitted.
• Impeccable sound quality: Super wideband audio and stereo deliver a clear natural sound while industry-leading voice pickup ensures wearers’ voices aren’t lost, even in noisy open offices. The headset also uses ActiveGard™ technology to prevent loud spikes and support noise-at-work compliance.
• Packed full of smart features: Users can initiate, end, and mute calls simply by moving the boom arm or taking the headset on/off. Plus, with a 360-degree busylight, surrounding people can know when you’re on a call and not to be disturbed.

“The office environment has evolved to the point that a silent workspace is no longer an option for the majority of employees. Whether based in the office or at home, we can expect distraction from background noise – from colleagues or children conversing to the sounds of printers, servers, or even the dishwasher. This is why EPOS’ innovation is focused on supporting the way human processes sound, to make it easier for workers to concentrate even in busy environments. Plus, as a wired device, the IMPACT 800 series makes the perfect plug-in and go partner for those who don’t want to worry about battery life during call-intensive days,” says Johnny Andersen, VP of Product & Portfolio Management at EPOS.

New Delhi, 5th April 2024: Vareyn Solar Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading turn-key solar EPC company, ties up with BITS Pilani under the BITS-TEC initiative. Committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable solar solutions, Vareyn Solar, in tandem with BITS Pilani, will continue working on enhancing the structure design of solar PV structures to achieve greater cost-effectiveness without compromising sustainability.

Vareyn Solar, operating within the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction domains, will focus on solar panel design. Additionally, the collaboration aims to tackle the recycling of solar panels, aligning with global sustainability goals for the next five to ten years. Sustainability goes hand in hand with responsible waste management. Along with the BITS Pilani team, the Vareyn Solar team will actively engage in finding innovative ways to utilize waste materials within the solar energy space.

BITS Pilani is establishing the first regional TEC (Technology Enabling Center) in the state of Rajasthan. Based on the initial introduction at the MSME ENGAGEMENT Series meet held in Jaipur on November 4, 2023, organized by SAMTA Power for Collaborative Efforts with BITS Pilani, the involved parties have agreed that Samta Power will act as an ecosystem engagement partner of BITS-TEC for all relevant activities for the opportunities of regional MSME engagement on mutually agreed terms.

Working with the concept of utilizing recycled plastics for constructing sustainable solar structures, the project will leverage Vareyn Solar’s years of experience and the expertise of BITS Pilani’s chemical department and laboratories.

The goal is to innovate solutions that not only reduce costs but also promote environmental sustainability.

Ishan Chaturvedi, Co-Founder and Director at Vareyn Solar Pvt. Ltd., shared, “First of all, I want to express my gratitude to BITS Pilani for this wonderful opportunity. It’s something we’ve been contemplating for a while, and this is the right avenue to pursue it. With this agreement in place, I believe we must contribute to the future and upcoming technologies. Through research and development with BITS Pilani, we can strive for advancements that benefit various sectors, especially in addressing the evolving power requirements. We have proposed innovative ideas in this regard, which we aim to further develop with the BITS Pilani business planning team as well for commercialization.”

Sharing his insights, Mr Shreesh Chaturvedi, Co-Founder at Vareyn Solar Pvt Ltd, said, “There is an urgent need for standardization in solar structure manufacturing. I take this opportunity to urge everyone involved in the solar sector to work towards improvement in material quality, strength, and cost-effectiveness. It’s heartening to see BITS Pilani’s commitment to sustainable materials and waste utilization. Moving forward, we look forward to engaging in technical discussions to chart a path that prioritizes sustainability, affordability, and accessibility.”

“We are looking forward to this collaboration with Vareyn Solar for research and development. This project aims to provide an enabling ecosystem, process, and support system for technology development, deployment and diffusion in the solar energy sector. The Technology Development and Transfer (TDT) division of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under its scheme “Technology Enabling Center (TEC) In University System” has selected BITS Pilani to establish the first regional TEC in the state of Rajasthan. The BITS-TEC at Rajasthan will act as a HuB and will create an ecosystem for technology development in the regional Universities and will provide a platform to network researchers with other Institutes, National laboratories, and Industries. We look forward to working with Ishan and his team to ensure increased circularity sustainability in solar panels”, shared Prof. Deepak Chitkara, Coordinator, BITS Technology Enabling Centre (supported by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India) BITS Pilani.

Vareyn Solar is investing resources in developing comprehensive recycling processes for solar panels and other lifecycle equipment. Joining forces with BITS Pilani aims to create a closed-loop system that benefits both the organizations and the industry as a whole.

5th April 2024: Venture Catalysts, India’s first integrated incubator and largest early-stage investment firm, today announced that it has led the Seed round of funding, joined by other investors in raising $600k for Cloudworx Technologies Pvt. Ltd., pioneers in the field of digital twins in the emerging enterprise metaverse market. This marks a pivotal moment in Venture Catalysts’ unwavering commitment to bolster technological innovation in India, with Cloudworx emerging as a disruptive and unique startup revolutionizing the country’s digital landscape.

With an $8.8 billion global market size, the digital twin market is a burgeoning sector within the broader Industrial Metaverse. MIT and Siemens have reported that the market is expected to reach a staggering $100 billion by 2030, with asset-intensive industries eagerly seeking 3D solutions that enable seamless links to revolutionize processes along the entire value chain. Founded in 2019 by Yuvraj Tomar and Kaushik Bharadwaj, Cloudworx Studio is a revolutionary no-code, web-based IDE that enables users to create, manage, and maintain digital twins and other 3D enterprise applications directly from their web browsers. The startup focuses on creating comprehensive digital replicas of ports, terminals, smart cities, R&D labs, industrial IoT, facility management, and more. Serving as a foundational element for the enterprise metaverse, Cloudworx’s digital twins enable unparalleled efficiency and insight into physical assets and environments.

“We identified an unparalleled value proposition within Cloudworx’s innovative technology, which was an opportunity hard to forego,” said Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Director & MD of Venture Catalysts. “The integration of digital technologies has accelerated, and the advent of the metaverse presents new avenues for businesses to develop advanced products, upgrade to finer solutions, and achieve unmatched results with an insight-driven approach. An appealing aspect of Cloudworx was its unique business model, which is bound to set the benchmark for future startups in the emerging digital twins industry. We are excited to partner with Cloudworx on their journey to revolutionize processes across the value chain, across industries, and look forward to working with them together in building Industry 4.0.”

With 13 years of experience in IoT, 3D application, and product development, including stints at Google and Cisco, Yuvraj Tomar, CEO, founded the company along with Kaushik Bharadwaj, the CTO and Co-Founder of Cloudworx, who brings 8+ years of experience in technology architecture, having been the CTO of a security startup and worked with XDA Developers and PrimeAuth. “We’re exhilarated by the growth and adoption of digital twins. As AI and digital twins become pivotal in creating meaningful business solutions across various domains, this funding marks a significant milestone. We’re committed to leading this transformative wave, ensuring that by 2030, any work that can be digitized into 3D, will be,” stated Yuvraj.

The Seed round was led by Venture Catalysts and 1Crowd, with participation from existing investors SucSEED and LetsVenture, alongside new investors Provista and Agility Ventures. The company also stated that the successful round of funding worth $600k will be leveraged by Cloudworx to accelerate growth and expand international reach in the global digital twins market.

Bangalore, 5th April 2024: Royal Orchid Hotels Limited, a leading hospitality brand, has signed a Lease/Revenue sharing agreement with MASA Hotels Pvt. Ltd for their upcoming 300 Rooms – a 5-star hotel in Mumbai, Maharashtra the commercial capital of India. This property comes after ROHL recently announced the opening of 288 Keys upcoming 5-star hotel in Surat, Gujarat last week. Both new properties will be part of the soon-to-be-announced new upscale brand under ROHL Ownership.

The 300-key 5-star property opening in late 2024 is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the terminal front door! This property spans over 12 floors and features a banquet ballroom, meeting floor, grand lobby bar, and 24-hour interactive food options. Additionally, on the 11th level, there is a business lounge catering to club and airport travelers, as well as amenities such as a spa, gym, wellness facilities, and a rooftop infinity pool and bar.

Chander K Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, said, “Following the addition of the 288-room upscale asset in Surat, we are thrilled to introduce our new 300-room 5-star property located in the heart of Mumbai at SAHAR T2. Positioned as a must-stay destination, we eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to experience our new brand and providing them with a fresh and unforgettable experience in Mumbai.”

Arjun Baljee, President, commented, “With this amazing asset, we will usher in a new category of upscale hotel in India – just what the modern traveler needs and wants. We are reimagining the entire experience of the guest – from the entrance to the rooms, the technology, facilities offered – every touch point is being thought through with a new lens.”

This agreement signifies ROHL’s dedication to the west region and our intention to broaden our presence with multiple assets in a Tier 1 hub. The property’s distinctiveness and location make it a must-stay in Mumbai for both leisure and business travelers”, said, Philip Logan, Chief Operating Officer.

Amit Jaiswal, Chief Financial Officer, said, “Mumbai is a global economic hub, and ROHL’s forthcoming 5-star will position Royal Orchid Hotels as the go-to choice for leisure and business travel in the city. Often compared to New York, Mumbai is home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, offering a plethora of opportunities to host travelers extending our reach.”

 5th April , 2024: Leading independent property services group ANAROCK has announced the launch of its dedicated commercial office leasing services and the appointment of CRE veteran Peush Jain as Managing Director – of Corporate Leasing & Advisory. After successfully launching office strata-sale-focused ANAROCK Commercial in 2020, the Group sees this move as the logical next step toward completing its industry-defining real estate services portfolio.

The launch of its commercial leasing and advisory vertical aligns seamlessly with the Group’s overarching growth strategy. ANAROCK will target international strategic collaborations and aggressively hire top-notch commercial advisory talent to deliver exceptional services to corporate occupiers.

Anuj Puri“It is well known that a sizeable segment of our leadership has a highly pedigreed commercial real estate background,” says Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group. “However, our business strategy is phased expansion. While commercial office leasing has always been a must-have in our portfolio, we wanted to wait for the right moment in time to launch this vertical. That time is now – and given Peush Jain’s established track record, we are in a strong position to capture significant market share in this segment.”

A real estate industry veteran with 23 years of experience in commercial real estate leasing, Peush Jain has deep industry relationships with domestic and multinational occupiers, owners, and investors in various asset classes. Before his appointment at ANAROCK, he held leadership roles in international property consultancies CBRE and Colliers International.

At ANAROCK, he will spearhead corporate leasing, tenant representation across service lines, landlord representation for key developers, and managing important client relationships.

Peush Jain” I am excited to join ANAROCK, an industry icon in real estate services, to expand its portfolio into commercial real estate leasing and advisory services.” says Peush Jain, Managing Director – Corporate Leasing & Advisory, ANAROCK Group. “Apart from long-standing office occupier and owner relations, the Group has a technology-focused approach which aligns perfectly with my vision of integrating tech-driven solutions into the commercial real estate business. We will be adapting many of the Proptech solutions ANAROCK has developed in-house to extend the Firm’s brand of excellence into the office leasing and advisory vertical.”

The time is indeed right for the Group to explore the lucrative office leasing sector, which is performing much better in India than in even the most advanced economies. According to ANAROCK Research, the Indian office market has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite global uncertainties. Projections indicate that office leasing in India will reach an unprecedented milestone by surpassing 50 million square feet by 2024-end. This surge is predominantly driven by robust leasing activities from Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

Currently occupying approximately 200 million square feet, GCCs are anticipated to expand their footprint to 280-300 million square feet in the next 3-4 years, triggering a demand surge of 80-100 million square feet. Key drivers in this growth include segments such as manufacturing, engineering R&D, technology, and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance).