Archives September 2024

The First Step Towards Problem Solving is Important

Prof. Manoj Tiwari facilitating Shri. Ravi Sharma

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai, hosted a thought-provoking speech on proactive problem-solving by Shri Ravi Sharma, a visionary leader and well-known philanthropist. During the event, Professor Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai, extended a warm welcome and honored Shri Ravi Sharma. Mr. Sharma delivered an inspiring address that covered key themes close to his heart. He emphasized the importance of taking the first step toward solving problems and encouraging proactive action in all aspects of life.

Professor Tiwari invited Shri Ravi Sharma in recognition of his numerous contributions and diverse experience as a corporate leader and philanthropist. He is an alumnus of several major telecom companies, including Alcatel Lucent, Videocon Telecom, and Adani Power. After transitioning from corporate roles, he now works full-time on societal causes. His efforts encompass education, sustainability, and spirituality. Through his flagship program, ‘Mission Chetna,’ he has positively impacted nearly 10 million citizens across 11 states in India. This initiative has also established a network of NGOs that serve as a sustainable catalyst for transformation within communities throughout the country.

In his speech, Shri Ravi Sharma emphasized the power of taking the first step to solve problems. “Too often, we are paralyzed by the fear of not having the perfect solution,” he said. “But change doesn’t wait for perfection; it waits for action. The first step is always the most important.” He encouraged students, faculty members, and professionals to adopt a proactive mindset in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. This message resonated with the ethos of IIM Mumbai, which aspires to cultivate leaders who are unafraid to confront unstructured global challenges.

A significant part of his speech focused on the transformative power of “Goodness.” Shri Ravi Sharma urged the audience to incorporate this virtue into their daily lives, emphasizing that spreading kindness and taking personal accountability are essential for fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society. “We need to take responsibility for our actions and our role in building a sustainable, spiritually rich world,” he observed. This philosophy aligns with his philanthropic endeavors, such as the Prama Jyoti Foundation, which aims to improve rural education by adopting and upgrading schools in India’s hinterland.

This event at IIM Mumbai served as an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to look beyond conventional solutions and work towards a proactive, compassionate world. It inspired a new wave of leaders who are willing to take responsibility and actively contribute to societal betterment, for, in Shri Ravi Sharma’s words, “actual change happens with small, independent individual actions.”

India Emerging as a Global Manufacturing Hotspot

Sept 27th, 2024 – CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading real estate consulting firm, today released its report titled, Fortifying India’s I&L landscape with a new manufacturing growth formula’. The report reveals that the manufacturing sector’s growth has significantly contributed to warehousing demand.  The share of sectors catering to the manufacturing space, including engineering & manufacturing, electronics & electricals and auto & ancillary sectors, within the total warehousing demand across major cities, has increased substantially, growing from 15% in 2019 to 24% in 2023 and 25% in H1 2024. The total leasing for warehousing from these manufacturing-related sectors stood at 4.1 mn. sq. ft. in H1 2024.

As per the report, Pune has shown the highest increase in warehousing and industrial space take-up by manufacturing players, growing from 6% in 2019 to 13% in H1 2024. Delhi-NCR and Kolkata have also seen notable increases, reaching 18% and 12%, respectively, in H1 2024*. This surge is attributed to factors like adoption of the China + 1 strategy by global manufacturers and supportive policies such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, now covering 14 sectors.

 Sectoral distribution of warehouse leasing in manufacturing sector

India’s engineering and manufacturing sector has seen a significant surge in warehouse leasing. The report shows that the sector’s share of total warehouse leasing grew from 8% in 2023 to 11% in H1 2024. The top sub-sectors driving warehouse leasing from 2019 to H1 2024 include domestic appliances, auto components, and the automobile industry, reflecting robust demand across these key segments.

India’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, exhibiting sustained growth underpinned by several positive indicators. With a surging GDP in 2023 and a projected growth rate of 6.5-7% over 2024-2026, India emerges as one of the frontrunners in the global economic race. This ambitious goal appears increasingly attainable due to a decade of successful policy reforms that have propelled economic growth. The manufacturing sector plays a key role, contributing 14% of GDP and employing over 27.3 million people. In June 2024, the Services PMI hit a 14-year high of 60.5, while manufacturing PMI stood at 58.3, reflecting expansion and the strongest growth in three-and-a-half years. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 4.2% in June, pushing overall industrial growth to 5.8% in FY 2023-24.

India’s favorable business environment, boosted by streamlined regulations and a jump in global rankings, has attracted strong foreign direct investment (FDI). Private consumption also continues to drive growth, with its share of GDP rising from 56.5% in FY2012 to 60.3% in FY24.

Favorable Government policies enabling manufacturing growth

To reduce high logistics costs, the government is optimizing freight movement by shifting to more cost-effective and sustainable transport modes through initiatives:

  • GatiShakti National Master Plan and logistics-specific reforms
  • These efforts aim to improve supply chain efficiency, promote green practices, and enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness globally

In addition, the Indian government is working to reduce production costs through a series of tax reforms, incentives, and infrastructure improvements. Corporate tax cuts, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and R&D tax benefits are among the measures supporting growth. Key policies such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, Make in India, and the National Logistics Policy further reinforce India’s competitive edge.

 Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said,“Amidst evolving global geopolitical landscapes and economic challenges, India presents a compelling opportunity for growth. India’s manufacturing sector is on the cusp of a transformative journey, attracting significant interest on the global stage. This remarkable trajectory is driven by a combination of factors, including a stable investment environment, strategic government initiatives, and a thriving domestic market.

Continued economic development in both leading and emerging Asia Pacific markets will boost consumer demand for manufactured goods and further fuel the growth of the region’s manufacturing sector”.

Rami Kaushal, Managing Director, Consulting & Valuation Services, India, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “India’s robust industrial infrastructure has been crucial in driving its manufacturing sector forward. It emphasises the nation’s appeal for ease of business, encourages collaboration, and enhances productivity. Furthermore, it has attracted foreign direct investments (FDIs), driven export growth, and created substantial employment opportunities, cumulatively contributing to the manufacturing sector’s expansion.

Additionally, the government is taking steps to attract private capital and implement administrative reforms to streamline the planning and execution of infrastructure investments, aiming to improve efficiency”.

 Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transactions Services, CBRE India, said, “The government’s focus on “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives have set the stage for India’s manufacturing revolution. Strategic government initiatives, a thriving domestic market and a young and skilled workforce, are all coming together to make India a global manufacturing leader. India’s focus on trade agreements holds immense potential for its manufacturing sector and will act as a trade catalyst. This presents a golden opportunity for India’s manufacturers to diversify from the dominance of the services sector and capture a larger share of the global manufacturing pie”.

 Way Forward: India’s Push Towards Becoming a Manufacturing Giant

Advanced manufacturing leverages state-of-the-art technologies to streamline and optimise every aspect of the production process. By embracing these cutting-edge techniques, companies gain a significant competitive advantage, enhancing their productivity, efficiency, and adaptability.

 

Challenge Recommendations
Project timelines and profitability impacted by delays in land acquisition and obtaining necessary clearances -Nationwide single window clearance system.
-Expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances.
-Dedicated committees to oversee project planning and implementation.
-Securing land and other necessary approvals prior to issuing project tenders.
Complex infrastructure financing

 

-Undertake more comprehensive longer-term planning by all levels of government.
– Develop suitable investment vehicles and products to attract institutional investors.
– Generate revenue streams for new / existing projects
Lack of inter-department coordination delaying clearances / approvals
-Set clear objectives for all stakeholders and decision-makers.
-Establish an accountability matrix and a timebound dispute resolution mechanism.
Complex regulatory landscape – Adopt a uniform and simplified tax structure for infrastructure projects

-Develop resilient processes to decode and address complex regulations.

Limited connectivity of industrial complexes           – Adopt ‘comprehensive industrial clusters’ instead of individual parks such as textile clusters, chemical clusters, etc.
– New port infrastructure development planning to include integrated industrial zones and comprehensive last-mile road and rail connectivity.
Lack of a domestic container manufacturing ecosystem
– Include the manufacturing of Corten steel as an integral part of the policy essential to make the production of containers cheaper in India.

– Rework the PLI scheme for container manufacturing

CitiusTech Teams Up with Novant Health to Enhance Decision Intelligence

September 27, 2024, PRINCETON, N.J. – CitiusTech, a leading provider of healthcare technology, services & solutions, announced that it is Novant Health’s preferred vendor for Enterprise Data & Decision Intelligence services. Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 850 locations, including 19 medical centers, more than 700 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Novant Health aims to harness the power of enterprise data to drive improved patient outcomes and greater operational efficiency through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. To that end, CitiusTech will provide Novant Health with a comprehensive suite of data, analytics, and digital services along with strong healthcare domain knowledge. These services include data platform development, engineering and supporting analytic products leveraged for clinical and operational decision-making. The key focus for Novant is building a suite of platforms and products and ensuring its successful implementation across the enterprise.

“We are committed to helping Novant Health achieve its goals by providing robust, scalable, and secure enterprise solutions that drive measurable results,” said Rajan Kohli, CEO, CitiusTech. “This collaboration is all about using enterprise information to push healthcare forward. By bringing together our strengths in advanced analytics, AI, and data integration with Novant Health’s innovative delivery model, we’re focused on creating solutions that improve patient care, boost efficiency, and drive real impact across the board. Together, we are redefining what quality healthcare can look like.”

As healthcare organizations continue to recognize the critical importance of taking a data-first approach in driving innovation and improving patient care, partnerships like the one between Novant Health and CitiusTech are likely to become increasingly important. This collaboration not only underscores CitiusTech’s position as a leader in healthcare technology but also highlights Novant Health’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of its patients and communities.

S P Jain Global Ranked Among Top 10 B-Schools in Asia-Pacific by Bloomberg Businessweek

Mumbai, 27th September 2024: S P Jain School of Global Management has been ranked among the top 10 business schools in the Asia-Pacific region by Bloomberg Businessweek in its latest B-School rankings. This marks the second consecutive year that the institution has received this prestigious recognition.

The Bloomberg Businessweek rankings are based on an in-depth evaluation of data provided by business schools, combined with surveys from students, alumni, and recruiters. Key areas of assessment include the quality of learning experiences, networking opportunities, and career outcomes—critical factors in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders.

Commenting on the achievement, Nitish Jain, President of S P Jain Global, said:
“Securing a spot in the top 10 for two years in a row is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to providing a truly global and transformative business education. At S P Jain Global, we go beyond traditional learning, equipping our students with the skills, perspectives, and networks they need to succeed in the dynamic global marketplace.”

Highlighting the school’s unique multi-city model, which allows students to study across Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, and London, Jain added: “This distinctive model gives our students invaluable exposure to different markets and cultures, fostering a global mindset—a skill highly valued by employers in today’s interconnected world. With our new London campus, through our sister school SPJ London, we’re continuing to expand this global experience and open new doors for our students.”

Dr Balakrishna Grandhi, Dean of the Full-Time MBA Program at S P Jain Global, emphasized the significance of the ranking, saying: “Our consistent presence in Bloomberg Businessweek’s top 10 is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. It highlights our relentless focus on academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and preparing graduates to lead in an ever-evolving business landscape.”

British Council Partners with Tamil Nadu to Boost Creative Economy

New Delhi, 27 September 2024: The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, and Guidance Tamil Nadu, the investment promotion agency of the Government of Tamil Nadu, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the creative economy and cultural industries of the state. This is in line with the aims of Guidance, Tamil Nadu, and its work to position the state as a premier investment destination by streamlining business processes and reducing operational costs.

BRITISH GOVT

Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu and Oliver Ballhatchet MBE British Deputy High Commissioner, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry presided over this MOU exchange. The MOU was exchanged between Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council and Mr V Vishnu, IAS, MD & CEO, Guidance

Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu said, “The State of Tamil Nadu and the British Council have collaborated very successfully over the past several years, and I am pleased that Guidance Tamil Nadu and the British Council are now partnering on the theme of creative economy and cultural industries, a significant priority for the State. This marks another important milestone in the Tamil Nadu–UK partnership. By joining forces, I am confident we will nurture an environment where young artists and entrepreneurs can thrive, contributing to the state’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy. This partnership underscores our commitment to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. MK Stalin’s vision of a Trilion Dollar Economy by fostering innovation and creating lasting opportunities for the youth of the State.”

Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council said, “We have had a long-standing relationship with the Government of Tamil Nadu and are pleased to collaborate once more to nurture talent and drive economic prosperity through the creative economy. By leveraging the combined expertise of both the UK and Tamil Nadu, our aim is to unleash the boundless potential of the creative industries within the state, thereby providing youth with enriched avenues for success. This initiative marks a significant step in our ongoing partnership with the state, and we are dedicated to working closely together to ensure it leads to improved outcomes for fostering sustainable livelihoods.”

Oliver Ballhatchet MBE British Deputy High Commissioner Chennai representing the UK in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry said “The MoU is a significant step to further strengthen ties between the UK and the Government of Tamil Nadu and thereby build a strong ecosystem for the creative economy and cultural industries in the State. I congratulate the British Council and Guidance Tamil Nadu for this initiative and wish this collaboration utmost success.”

The MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:

  • Assessing the contribution of the creative economy and cultural industries to employment and gross value added (GVA) in Tamil Nadu, leveraging the expertise of both the UK and Tamil Nadu.
  • Providing insights to facilitate policy dialogue on Tamil Nadu’s creative economy between government stakeholders and sector leaders.
  • Identifying growth potential in tech art, festivals, crafts, and the ‘influencer’ economy to foster sustainable livelihoods.
    Establishing a roadmap for future research partnerships between Tamil Nadu and the UK in the creative industries and laying the groundwork for long-term policy frameworks.
  • This MOU aims to shine a spotlight on the State’s creative economy, nurturing the aspirations of its creative professionals while fostering overall economic development. The collaboration seeks to create an environment conducive to the growth of young artists, arts and tech companies, and entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on areas such as tech art, festivals, AVGC, music, and crafts, to support sustainable livelihoods and spur digital innovation.

Cardiologists at Fortis Noida: Rising Cardiac Issues Among Youth Affect Both Genders Equally

Noida, 26 September 2024: Heart attacks were previously believed to affect only older individuals, but now they are affecting the younger generation, particularly between the age group of 30 and 40. Heart disease is a significant cause of death worldwide and its prevalence has risen in India over the past five years. This rise in sudden cardiac arrests and other cardiac related ailments can be mostly attributed to our fast-paced, erratic and unhealthy lifestyle. Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Noida highlighted this disturbing trend and narrated instances of young cardiac patients who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest, at a press briefing held at the hospital today.

CARDIAC ELEMENT

Dr Ajay Kaul, Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “In recent years, India has been witnessing a troubling surge in the occurrences of heart disease among its younger population, particularly among individuals in their 30s and 40s. Traditionally, heart disease has been perceived as a condition affecting only older adults. However, recent research has directed at a disturbing shift, with a growing number of younger Indians experiencing heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions. This paradigm change can largely be attributed to lifestyle modifications characterized by poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and escalating stress levels. Given the escalating trajectory of cardiovascular diseases among young adults, early screening for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels in the blood) emerges as imperative. Timely detection through routine health check-ups can pave the path for enhanced management and treatment of these conditions, potentially mitigating the risk of heart disease.”

Dr Sanjeev Gera, Director & HOD, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “We are witnessing around 70-80 cases of cardiac related ailments on a yearly basis. Recently, we treated a few young patients in the age group 30-40 years and all of them had symptoms of chest pain. Soon after admission to the hospital, they were thoroughly evaluated and given immediate treatment. The patients responded well to treatment and are now leading a normal life. Stress and sedentary lifestyles are key factors leading to a rise in cardiac diseases in younger population.”

Present at the media briefing were patients who had suffered sudden cardiac arrests and were treated at Fortis Hospital Noida. The first such case was a 37-year-old woman who was admitted at Fortis Noida’s emergency department with chest discomfort for one week. The medical evaluations indicated heart attack and a coronary angiography was done which showed blocked arteries. She was treated with a new technology known as DCB (Drug Coated Balloon) to avoid stent or metal in her body. Post the surgery, the patient recovered and was discharged in 3 days in a stable condition.

Second such case was of a 36-year-old man who was presented at the hospital with heart attack and two blocked arteries. He did not have any previous risk factors associated with smoking but had a family history of heart disease. He was treated with the help of stent and Drug Coated Balloon, which was done to avoid metal in his body. Post the surgery, he was discharged in 2 days in a stable condition.

Third case was of a 46-year-old woman who was presented with a major heart attack and underwent an angioplasty and placement of stent to main left anterior descending coronary artery and a Drug Coated Balloon to other artery which is a new technique to avoid stents in younger patients. Her heart function improved immediately after the surgery, and she was discharged in 3 days.

Fourth case was of a 39-year-old man who was presented in the hospital with complaint of chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion. He underwent a coronary angiography, which revealed coronary artery disease – a common heart condition that occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. He underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) and after 10 days, he was discharged in a stable condition.

Fifth case was of a 34-year-old man who had visited the hospital with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion, which was gradually increasing with each passing day. He had an episode of cardiac issue and angiography was done in 2019 and again in February 2024 his coronary, which revealed Triple Vessel Disease. He was advised for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG), post which he recovered gradually.

Surgical robotics pioneer Intuitive opens Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru

Mumbai, India: Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), announced the opening of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru today. The new centre will drive innovation and enable the enhancement of operational efficiency across the global organisation. Gary S. Guthart, Intuitive CEO and Dr. Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka inaugurated the centre today at its location at the Embassy Golf Links.

da Vinci robotic system

The GCC will serve as one of Intuitive’s core global hubs for functions including IT support, enterprise analytics, software quality, human resource management system (HRMS) and post-market surveillance, all of which strengthen the safety, performance and reliability of Intuitive’s systems and technologies. The GCC will be an important contributor to Intuitive’s operations, reflecting the company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and excellence.

While inaugurating the centre, Dr. Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka said, “Today marks a significant step forward as we welcome the establishment of a Global Capability Center in Bangalore, a city known for its dynamic growth and future potential. We recognize the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies like robotics in the future of surgery and are committed to supporting such innovations. This Global Capability Center will play a crucial role in training more doctors, a field where India has immense potential and already produces some of the finest medical professionals globally. With further collaboration, including public-private partnerships, we can expand these advancements to even the most remote areas. The government looks forward to working with medical technology leaders like Intuitive to bring modern healthcare technology to every corner of Karnataka.”

Announcing the opening of the GCC in Bengaluru, Gary S Guthart, CEO of Intuitive said, “Intuitive is committed to building a strong presence and contributing to the growth of the healthcare ecosystem in India. This Global Capability Centre will play an important role in helping us to advance minimally invasive healthcare technology, and the ecosystem of services, support and insight that ensure its successful use and adoption.”

Intuitive expects to have more than 250 full-time positions at the GCC, including functions that will add value to the overall product lifecycle, including product upgrades, quality improvement, and customer service. This expansion aligns with Intuitive’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture, and the team at GCC will embody Intuitive’s core values of integrity, transparency, and flexibility.

“Opening the Global Capability Centre here in Bengaluru is about more than expanding our operations—it reinforces our commitment to innovation, safety, quality and performance. Bengaluru, known for its vibrant technology development and skilled talent pool, provides an ideal environment for our Global Capability Centre, and we believe it can help us drive our mission forward to improve patient outcomes through advanced robotic surgical technologies,” said Darla Hutton, Vice President Commercial Operations and Marketing Asia & Interim General Manager India, Intuitive

Intuitive has thoughtfully advanced minimally invasive care in India through advanced robotic technology, supported by an innovative ecosystem of learning, services, and solutions. Intuitive technology can be found in in leading private and government hospitals, Medical Institutes and State Government Medical Colleges across the country. To date, more than 850 surgeons have been trained on Intuitive’s da Vinci technology and more than 100,000 procedures performed in India.

Federal Bank Launches NPS Vatsalya

Chennai 27th September 2024: Federal Bank is excited to announce the launch of NPS Vatsalya, a pioneering initiative under the National Pension System (NPS) specifically for minors. Launched by the Government of India on September 18, 2024, NPS Vatsalya aims to provide a secure and flexible retirement planning solution for children, ensuring long-term wealth accumulation through the power of compounding. With a minimum annual contribution of just Rs. 1,000, this scheme is accessible to families from all economic backgrounds, promoting financial inclusion and early financial planning.

“NPS Vatsalya is a significant step towards securing the financial future of our children. By starting early, we can ensure that they have a robust financial foundation,” said P V Joy, SVP & Country Head – Deposits, Wealth & Bancassurance of Federal Bank. “We are glad to bring this initiative to the citizens of the country, as it is launched by the Government to promote long-term financial planning and security for all.”

NPS Vatsalya offers flexible investment options, allowing guardians to choose between active and auto investment choices across various asset classes. Managed by reputable fund managers registered with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the scheme ensures expert handling of investments. Additionally, subscribers can benefit from tax deductions under Section 80 CCD (1) and Section 80 CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act, making it a tax-efficient investment option. For more information, visit Federal Bank’s NPS page.

How to Apply: Interested individuals can apply for NPS Vatsalya by visiting any of the designated Federal Bank branches or through the Bank’s online platform. Upon application, subscribers will receive a unique Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) for all future transactions.

Sayaji Hotels Appoints Dinesh Dahiya as General Manager of Business Development

Mumbai, September 2024: Sayaji Hotels, a leading name in the Indian hospitality industry, recently announced the appointment of Dinesh Dahiya as the General Manager – Business Development. He returned to the organization after serving as Vice President of Sales & Revenue Management for nearly two years, starting in May 2020. In his new role, he spearheads strategic initiatives to drive portfolio development, and acquisitions, promote partnerships, revenue growth, and explore new business opportunities across regions.

Dinesh Sir (1)

Dinesh Dahiya brings over 25 years of industry experience in the hospitality sector, including his tenure with several renowned organizations nationwide, focused on enhancing development, revenue and guest experiences. With an MBA in Sales & Service Marketing from IIT Roorkee, he blends strategic insight with operational expertise, positioning himself as a key leader for Sayaji Hotel’s growth initiatives. Throughout his career, he had led initiatives to promote business development, strategic planning, and revenue management, leveraging modern technologies and industry trends to create innovative solutions.

Reflecting on his appointment, Dinesh Dahiya said, “It is a privilege to return to Sayaji Hotels, a brand that has always held a special place for me. I’m excited to take on this new role and collaborate with the talented team at Sayaji, once again, to drive the business forward. My focus is on utilizing strategic insights and operational excellence to further strengthen the brand’s position in the market.”

During his previous tenure with Sayaji Hotels, he made significant contributions by leading the sales and revenue management functions. His innovative strategies played a key role in navigating the brand through challenging market conditions. As the General Manager – Business Development, his role involves developing and implementing business development strategies aligned with Sayaji Hotels’ long-term goals, identifying target markets, and setting portfolio development initiatives. His key responsibilities also include identifying and securing prime hospitality properties, assessing industry trends, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders – bringing projects to life, from concept to reality.

Saba Dhanani, Director – Marketing, Communications & Operations at Sayaji Hotels, shared, “We are thrilled to have Dinesh rejoin the Sayaji family. Previously, his extensive experience has contributed significantly to our sales and revenue management. We are confident that, in Dinesh’s new role, his leadership, deep understanding of the brand and the ability to create strategic partnerships and drive business development would be pivotal to our growth.”

Dinesh Dahiya’s passion for continuous learning and his industry engagement kept him at the forefront of hospitality trends, making him a key asset in Sayaji Hotels’ efforts to strengthen its market presence and expand its portfolio.

Cisco Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Chennai

Chennai, September 27, 2024 Cisco, the worldwide leader in security and networking, has today inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in India, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to building manufacturing capabilities in the country. This state-of-the-art site will produce a range of Cisco’s best-in-class routing and switching products to meet the rapidly growing technology needs of organizations in India and around the world. With this strategic investment, Cisco aims to drive over USD $1.3 billion in revenue, broadening its diverse and resilient supply chain. The facility is also expected to create 1200 jobs in the state.

The Chennai-based manufacturing facility was inaugurated by Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, along with Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco; Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco; Dave West, President, Cisco APJC; Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC; and state and local government officials. This opening marks an important expansion milestone in Cisco’s worldwide manufacturing footprint.

Cisco has collaborated with Flex  to successfully build the Chennai site and bring advanced telecom technology that can help connect citizens in India and globally. This is the next milestone in Cisco and Flex’s longstanding 25-year partnership to ramp up manufacturing across the globe with speed, resilience, and sustainable practices.

The facility, which will initially focus on Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series of routers, represents the first phase of the company’s multiyear investment plan. Significant innovation and technical advancements are planned in the next phase including printed circuit board assembly components with several layers; products requiring, at times, thousands of individual components; and industrial-grade products that are built to endure severe environmental conditions. With this, Cisco is broadening its technical manufacturing capabilities to enable additional customers and market segments.

“The inauguration of the Cisco’s manufacturing facility in India producing advanced telecom equipment is a testament to the country’s growing Atmanirbharta in the global technology landscape. Certain that the factory will strengthen Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub and amplify the holistic growth of India’s telecom ecosystem,” said Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India.

“We congratulate Cisco on the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu. This facility is in line with Tamil Nadu becoming a critical hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Under the leadership of Honourable Chief Minister Thiru. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu continues to attract world-class investments, reinforcing our position in the global supply chain, especially in electronics manufacturing. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Cisco as we continue to drive technological growth and industrial leadership in the region,” said Dr. T.R.B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu.

“India has been an important market for Cisco for nearly three decades, and we are immensely proud of our progress and partnerships here,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco. “The inauguration of a manufacturing facility in Chennai marks a significant advancement in our commitment to the region. This expansion not only deepens our presence in India, but also strengthens our partnerships with customers, partners, and the government. By delivering cutting-edge technology from this facility to our customers in India and across the globe, we are enhancing supply chain reliability and catalyzing innovation, both locally and globally.”

“We are proud to officially open a new manufacturing facility in Chennai, which is a pivotal step in our investments in India,” said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC. “This new facility strengthens our capabilities in the country to produce state-of-the-art technologies, contributing to our nation’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.’’

The new facility enhances Cisco’s manufacturing capabilities and is a step towards helping accelerate India’s transition into a leading digital economy. By diversifying supply chains, Cisco is committed to helping global organizations bolster their resilience.