Archives March 2026

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Vikram Doraiswami Named New Envoy to China

Neel Achary 0 Comment

New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed senior diplomat Vikram Doraiswami as the next Ambassador to China, marking an important diplomatic posting at a time when both countries are working to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.

Doraiswami, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, is currently serving as the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He is expected to assume his new role in Beijing shortly, according to an announcement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

He will succeed Pradeep Kumar Rawat, who previously held the post.

The appointment comes at a sensitive and significant phase in India–China relations, which have been strained in recent years following the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have since engaged in gradual diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring dialogue and improving cooperation.

By assigning a seasoned diplomat with extensive international experience, India signals its intent to maintain steady engagement with China while addressing key strategic and economic concerns through diplomatic channels.

Doraiswami’s earlier postings and experience in key global capitals are expected to play an important role as he takes charge of one of India’s most crucial diplomatic assignments.

The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that he will take up his new assignment shortly.

business

JLL Ranks No. 1 in India for Real Estate Investment Advisory: MSCI Real Capital Analytics for 2025

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Business Wire India

JLL, the largest International Property Consulting firm in India, has been ranked #1 for real estate capital markets transaction in MSCI Real Capital Analytics (RCA) for 2025.

The New York-based MSCI Real Capital Analytics (RCA) rankings identify top commercial real estate investment brokers and advisors globally based on transaction volumes across sectors, including office, retail, industrial, data centres, land etc. The annual MSCI RCA rankings are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the real estate industry.

According to MSCI-RCA, JLL advised on USD 4.3 billion in transaction value (representing the total deal value on which JLL provided advisory services on) during 2025 capturing nearly 48% market share in India. This ranking underscores JLL’s strengthening position in one of Asia Pacific’s most dynamic markets and reinforces its sustained global leadership.

Market leadership and client trust

“Achieving the number one position in India’s real estate capital markets for 2025 reflects exceptional market expertise and the unwavering trust clients place in the team to execute high-stakes, complex transactions. This leadership underscores the strength of an integrated platform, extensive relationships with capital providers, and the world-class talent cultivated across India. Particularly noteworthy is the dominance in core asset sales this year, where the team has established itself as the definitive market leader. This achievement demonstrates not only technical excellence but a deep understanding of what creates value in India’s dynamic real estate landscape, and the ability to execute flawlessly for clients,” said Lata Pillai, Senior Managing Director and Head, Capital Markets, India, JLL.

India’s evolving investment landscape

“Despite the overall environment globally, India’s real estate investment market has shown tremendous resilience with both global and domestic institutional capital actively pursuing high-quality assets and scalable development platforms. Investors are increasingly deploying hybrid capital strategies combining equity, structured debt, and strategic joint ventures, to capture opportunities across the entire value chain,” said Nishant Kabra, Managing Director, Investment Sales & Debt Advisory, India, JLL.

Integrated advisory platform.

JLL’s integrated platform, spanning land and development services, investment sales, and equity and debt advisory, enables the firm to design and execute sophisticated transactions that unite global capital, domestic investors, REITs, and leading developers. The scale of the firm’s 2025 advisory mandates reflects strong investor conviction in India’s long-term growth trajectory. This reinforces JLL’s position as the preferred advisor for transformative deals.

Looking ahead

The foundation established in 2024-2025 positions India to emerge as one of the world’s most attractive institutional real estate investment markets over the next investment cycle. The institutional investment outlook in the Indian real estate sector has displayed encouraging trends in recent years and is anticipated to maintain its momentum in the near future.

In 2025, JLL advised on numerous landmark transactions across India. Notable deals included

Name

Deal Size

Description

Brookfield REIT – Ecoworld acquisition

INR 13,125 crore

India’s largest single-asset office sale transaction and the country’s biggest office-REIT acquisition was completed when the team advised Brookfield on the sale of a 7.7 million sq. ft. Grade A office campus for INR 131,250 million.

Blackstone – LOGOS India Group

INR 1,653 crore

The team completed a USD 200 million industrial portfolio sale for LOGOI/ Lo-Goi Group delivering India’s largest warehousing transaction in recent years.

Hines – Mitsubishi Estate Co. – Kanakia Group joint venture
 

GDV-INR 8000 crore

Brought together Kanakia Group, US-based Hines, and Japanese giants Mitsubishi Estate and Sumitomo Corporation for a premium 1.5 million sq. ft office development, demonstrating JLL’s capability to bridge international markets and attract significant Japanese institutional capital into India’s commercial real estate sector.

Kotak Alternate Asset Managers – Prime Offices Fund (Nuvama and CW joint venture) Transaction

INR 750 crore

The Prius Platinum deal represents a landmark 2025 divestment and one of Delhi’s largest single-asset commercial deals in a decade (approx. 0.3 million sq. ft).

Mindspace REIT – Qcity acquisition

INR 500 crore

Facilitated by JLL, this acquisition by Mindspace Business Parks REIT is the first third-party acquisition since the REIT’s listing and marks a pivotal entry into Financial District, one of Hyderabad’s prominent IT micro markets.

Cognizant Technology Solutions India – Bagmane Constructions deal

GDV INR- 3200 crore

The team aligned Cognizant’s divestment plans with Bagmane’s expansion. The team delivered high-value asset transaction at an unprecedented speed while maximizing client value and ensuring transaction certainty with a premier buyer like Bagmane Group.

Source: JLL India

As India emerges as one of Asia Pacific’s most compelling investment destinations, JLL’s integrated advisory platform, deep market expertise, and proven track record of delivering landmark transactions position the firm to continue shaping the future of real estate investment across the country. This achievement underscores not only JLL’s dominant market position but also the firm’s unwavering commitment to driving value creation and setting new benchmarks for excellence in India’s commercial real estate sector.

news

Odisha Captain Steers Indian Vessel to Safety Amid Gulf Tensions

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Bolangir: In a story of courage and composure at sea, an Indian gas carrier has safely returned home from the volatile waters of the Middle East, bringing recognition to its Odia captain, Dheeraj Agrawal.

Captain Agrawal, who hails from Kantabanji in Odisha’s Bolangir district, has earned widespread praise for his steady leadership during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. His efforts ensured the safe navigation of the vessel and the well-being of its crew under extremely challenging circumstances.

The Indian gas carrier Nandadevi, along with another vessel, Shivalik, had been caught in a tense situation in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. The region witnessed escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, leading to restrictions on maritime movement and creating uncertainty for ships operating in the area.

Reports indicate that the narrow sea corridor saw intense military activity, including missile strikes and aerial surveillance, making navigation both risky and unpredictable. Despite these conditions, the Nandadevi successfully charted a safe course and reached the Gujarat coast earlier this week, following diplomatic efforts that helped ease restrictions in the region.

The vessel had set sail from a port in the United Arab Emirates nearly two weeks earlier, before becoming entangled in the unfolding crisis. Throughout the ordeal, Captain Agrawal’s calm decision-making and professional expertise played a crucial role in ensuring that the crew remained safe and the vessel stayed on course.

Back home in Kantabanji, his return has been met with pride and celebration. Family members and well-wishers gathered to welcome the achievement, while messages of appreciation have poured in from across the state.

Born to late Ramesh Chhapadia and Santosh Devi, Agrawal completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing nautical science in Mumbai. Since 2017, he has been actively serving in India’s maritime sector and is currently associated with the Shipping Corporation of India.

His mother expressed immense joy at his safe return, describing it as a moment of pride for the family. There is also growing excitement over the possibility of him being recognised at the national level, with reports suggesting he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future.

Captain Agrawal’s journey stands as a reminder of the resilience and professionalism of Indian seafarers, who often operate far from the spotlight, navigating not just oceans but also moments of global uncertainty.

education

BITS Pilani Alumnus Agendra Kumar Establishes INR 2.5 Crore Fellowship Fund for Interdisciplinary Research

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Mar 19: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, announced the donation of ₹2.5 crore by Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India and distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1977, to establish the Agendra Kumar Fellowships Fund. The fund will support 10 PhD scholars over the next decade, further strengthening BITS Pilani’s commitment to advancing research and nurturing future innovators.

BITS Pilani Alumnus Agendra Kumar Establishes INR 2.5 Crore Fellowship Fund for Interdisciplinary Research

 The fellowship fund will support purposive and relevant research to advance high-impact through technology and engineering solutions to critical problems in climate & sustainability, healthcare & biotech, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, geospatial intelligence, water resource management, cancer research using computational methods, and precision agriculture, where BITS researchers can make a meaningful difference.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said,

“Agendra Kumar’s commitment reflects the finest tradition of BITSian giving – purposeful, forward-looking, and rooted in a genuine desire to see the institution grow. PhD research is the engine of long-term innovation, and fellowships of this kind make it possible for talented young researchers to pursue ideas that matter without being held back by financial constraints. We are deeply grateful to him for this generous and well-considered gift.”

Agendra Kumar said,

 “BITS Pilani gave me the foundation to build a career at the intersection of technology and real-world impact. Esri India’s work in geospatial intelligence has shown me, time and again, how research translates into solutions that change lives on the ground and create value. Through these fellowships, I hope to enable the next generation of researchers at BITS to do exactly that – work on problems that matter for India and do so with the freedom and support to think boldly.”

Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations, said,

 “Agendra Kumar’s fellowship fund is a natural extension of his belief in the power of research to address real challenges. The focus areas he has chosen align closely with the nation’s most urgent priorities, and we are confident that the scholars supported through this fund will go on to make significant contributions by coming out with innovative solutions to critical problems.”

The research shall be undertaken in the aegis of School of Interdisciplinary Research and Entrepreneurship (SIRE) at BITS Pilani, which offers multiple programs for students and faculty. Most notable program is PhD DRIVE, which provides innovators an opportunity to earn a PhD Degree, while working on their deep-tech and deep-science venture.

BITS Pilani has set up a USD 100 million Endowment Fund to support its transformation into a globally ranked institution. The fund is aimed at strengthening faculty excellence, research capacity, student scholarships, and global engagement, with strong support from its worldwide alumni community.

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Basantika Navaratra Begins at Maa Samaleswari Temple Amid Devotion and Festive Fervour

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Thousands of devotees throng Bargarh shrine as rituals mark the spiritual onset of spring festival

Bargarh: The spiritually significant festival of Basantika Navaratra commenced with great devotion at the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple on Thursday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Amavasya.

From early morning, a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival that celebrates the divine feminine energy in its various forms. The temple परिसर resonated with chants, conch sounds, and devotional hymns, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality.

On the first day, the presiding deity was adorned as Goddess Shailaputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolising strength and new beginnings. Devotees offered flowers, coconuts, and prayers, while priests conducted elaborate rituals following traditional customs.

A key highlight of the opening day was the lighting of the Akhand Dipa (eternal flame), which will continue to burn throughout the Navaratra period. This sacred ritual signifies uninterrupted devotion and the continuous presence of divine energy.

Rituals and Significance

Basantika Navaratra, observed during the Chaitra month, marks the transition into spring and is considered a time of renewal and spiritual awakening. The festival begins with Kalash Sthapana, invoking the goddess, followed by daily worship of the nine forms of Durga. Devotees often observe fasts, participate in bhajans, and engage in prayers seeking strength, prosperity, and protection.

Each day of the festival carries its own significance, with the goddess worshipped in different forms, reflecting various aspects of power, wisdom, and compassion.

Recent Developments and Arrangements

This year, temple authorities and local administration have made special arrangements to manage the surge in footfall. Crowd management systems, queue arrangements, and safety measures have been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe darshan experience for devotees.

The festival holds deep cultural and religious importance across western Odisha, where Maa Samaleswari is worshipped as a form of the universal mother. The temple, historically associated with the region’s spiritual identity, continues to attract thousands of श्रद्धालु during major festivals like Navaratra. ()

As Basantika Navaratra progresses, the temple is expected to witness even larger gatherings, with devotees coming together in faith, tradition, and celebration—making it not just a religious observance, but a vibrant expression of community and devotion.

news

Odisha to Launch Statewide Census Drive from April 16

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Bhubaneswar, March 19: Odisha is set to launch the first phase of its census exercise from April 16, marking a significant step in updating the state’s demographic data. The process will continue until May 15, covering households across the state through a structured and coordinated effort.

During this phase, trained enumerators and supervisors will visit homes to collect detailed information. Officials have emphasized that the exercise will be carried out systematically to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage.

Ahead of the field survey, residents will have the option to participate through a self-enumeration process from April 1 to April 15. Using a dedicated online portal, individuals can submit their own details, making the process more convenient and reducing the workload during the physical enumeration phase.

According to Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of the Census Directorate, the initiative combines technology with on-ground efforts to make the census more efficient and accessible. Speaking at a press briefing, he also highlighted efforts to raise public awareness, noting that internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik has agreed to serve as the brand ambassador for the campaign.

The census operation will be conducted under a well-defined administrative framework. District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners will serve as Principal Census Officers, while Additional District Collectors will take on the role of District Census Officers. At the grassroots level, tahsildars and executive officers of urban local bodies will function as charge officers, overseeing implementation in their respective areas.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has been designated as the nodal department for the exercise. In a notable move, primary school teachers will be deployed as enumerators, while high school teachers will act as supervisors, ensuring both manpower availability and accountability.

Enumerators will collect information by asking household heads a set of 33 questions, covering key socio-economic indicators. Officials believe this data will play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions and development planning.

Looking ahead, authorities have indicated that the second phase of the census is scheduled for February 2027, which will further build on the data collected during this initial phase.

With preparations in full swing, the state administration is calling on citizens to actively participate—either digitally or in person—to ensure the success of this important exercise.

business

Odisha’s Investment Surge Powers Jobs, Growth, and a Brighter Economic Future

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With fresh approvals worth over ₹4,500 crore and a strong policy push, Odisha is turning industrial investment into real opportunities for its people

Odisha is quietly but confidently reshaping its economic narrative. What was once seen primarily as a resource-rich state is now evolving into a dynamic investment hub—where policy intent is translating into real progress on the ground.

This shift is not accidental. It reflects sustained efforts by the state government to create an environment where businesses can invest with ease and confidence. The results are now visible. In a recent development, the Single Window Clearance Authority approved 23 new projects, bringing in investments exceeding ₹4,500 crore. More importantly, these projects are expected to create employment opportunities for over 10,000 people—an outcome that directly impacts families, communities, and local economies.

Behind these numbers lies a deeper story of governance and reform. Odisha’s focus on simplifying procedures and improving transparency has made a tangible difference. The Single Window system, designed to reduce delays and eliminate complexity, signals a shift toward a more responsive and efficient administration. For investors, this means fewer hurdles; for the state, it means faster execution and stronger industrial momentum.

The Odisha Budget reinforces this direction. By prioritizing infrastructure, industrial growth, and skill development, the government is not just encouraging investment—it is preparing the state to sustain it. Roads, logistics networks, and industrial corridors are being strengthened, while parallel investments in education and training aim to ensure that the workforce is ready for new opportunities.

What makes this growth story particularly meaningful is its human dimension. Industrial expansion is often discussed in terms of capital and output, but in Odisha, it is increasingly about livelihoods. Each new project carries the promise of jobs, stability, and upward mobility for thousands of individuals. The emphasis on skill development further ensures that these opportunities are accessible to the local population, creating a more inclusive growth model.

Odisha’s journey is still unfolding, but the direction is clear. The convergence of investment, policy reform, and employment generation is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and diversified economy. As these projects move from approval to implementation, they will not only strengthen industrial capacity but also deepen the state’s social and economic impact.

In many ways, Odisha today represents a model of steady, purposeful progress—where ambition is matched by execution, and growth is measured not just in numbers, but in the lives it touches.

 
business

Andersen Consulting Bolsters Cybersecurity Offering Through Collaboration with Trillium Information Security Systems

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Business Wire India

 

Andersen Consulting strengthens its technology and risk management capabilities through a Collaboration Agreement with Trillium Information Security Systems (TISS), a cybersecurity firm.

 

With a presence in Canada and Pakistan, TISS delivers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to organizations across the financial services, telecommunications, and public sectors. The firm’s team offers a broad suite of services, including security assessments, managed security operations, red team services, digital forensics & incident response, and GRC advisory. With nearly two decades of experience, TISS provides adaptive, intelligence-driven defenses that help clients anticipate and respond to evolving cyber threats.

 

 

“At TISS, we work to create a safer digital environment by empowering organizations to operate securely and with confidence,” said Mahir Mohsin Sheikh, CEO of TISS. “Our collaboration with Andersen Consulting allows us to combine our deep technical expertise with a global consulting framework, enabling clients across the globe to build cybersecurity strategies that are proactive, scalable, and resilient.”

 

 

Global Chairman and CEO of Andersen, Mark L. Vorsatz added, “TISS has established itself as a leader in cybersecurity, safeguarding critical infrastructure and enterprise systems. Our collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver holistic technology and risk solutions that help clients protect, adapt, and grow in a rapidly changing environment.”

 

 

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

business

Modis Navnirman Limited Marks Bhoomi Poojan of ‘Rashmi Avenue’ Mixed-Use Project in Mumbai

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Mumbai, Mar 19: Modis Navnirman Limited announced the successful Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of its upcoming residential and commercial project, Rashmi Avenue, located at Dahisar (West), Mumbai. The ceremony marks the formal commencement of construction for the thoughtfully planned mixed-use development.

Strategically situated at Village Eksar, Kandarpada, Rashmi Avenue is envisioned as a modern, community-centric development spread across approximately 4,836.25 sq. metres. The project will feature 225 residential apartments, 18 commercial shops, and 1 commercial office, catering to the evolving lifestyle and business needs of the locality.

The redevelopment project will replace the existing structure comprising 119 residential flats and 17 commercial shops, enhancing both the functionality and overall value of the space while contributing to the area’s urban transformation.

With its prime location in Dahisar (West), the development offers excellent connectivity to key parts of Mumbai along with proximity to essential social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial hubs, making it an attractive destination for both homebuyers and businesses.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahek Modi, Whole-Time Director & Chief Financial Officer, said,

 “Rashmi Avenue represents our continued focus on redevelopment-led growth and our commitment to transforming existing communities into modern, future-ready living spaces. The Bhoomi Poojan marks an important step forward, and we remain dedicated to delivering high-quality construction, efficient design, and long-term value for our residents and stakeholders.”

Rashmi Avenue further strengthens Modis Navnirman Limited’s expanding footprint in Mumbai’s redevelopment space and reinforces its vision of creating sustainable, well-planned, and community-driven developments.

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business

AutoPe Crosses INR 100 Crore in FY 2025–26, Strengthens Position in Integrated Urban Mobility

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Business Wire India

  • AutoPe has crossed INR 100 crore in revenue in FY 2025–26.
  • Growth was driven by rising transaction volumes and transit partnerships.
  • The company is scaling metro and multimodal integrations nationwide.

 

AutoPe, a transit-focused digital mobility platform, has crossed INR 100 crore in revenue in FY 2025–26, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and underscoring the rising adoption of integrated, technology-led public transport solutions across India.

Crossing the INR 100 crore mark represents a transition for AutoPe from a high-growth emerging player to a revenue-stable infrastructure partner for urban mobility stakeholders. The milestone reflects consistent multi-year growth, driven by deeper system integrations, expanded deployments, and improved monetisation capabilities compared to previous financial years.

Commenting on the milestone, the Founder of AutoPe, Anurag Bajpai, said, “Crossing INR 100 crore is a strong validation of our focus on building interoperable, commuter-centric transit infrastructure. Our priority has been to create scalable systems through deep integrations with transport authorities, and this milestone reflects the growing adoption of integrated mobility solutions across cities.”

The topline growth has been primarily powered by increasing daily transaction volumes across deployed networks and strategic partnerships with transport authorities and ecosystem players. As more commuters shift to digital ticketing and integrated payment systems, AutoPe’s platform has seen sustained growth in usage and repeat adoption.

While the company does not disclose a detailed revenue split across ticketing, platform fees, first- and last-mile integrations, and non-fare monetisation solutions, it indicated that diversified revenue streams within its transit ecosystem have contributed to steady financial performance.

AutoPe is currently focused on expanding large-scale metro deployments across India, with multiple projects in the pipeline. While specific project details remain undisclosed, the company confirmed that upcoming metro integrations form a key part of its next phase of growth.

Beyond metro systems, AutoPe is deepening its presence in integrated urban mobility, particularly around first- and last-mile connectivity. By bringing multiple transport modes onto a unified digital framework, the platform aims to enable smoother commuter journeys within cities and across regions.

AutoPe operates on an API-first, interoperable architecture that connects metro rail, buses, parking systems, and other mobility services onto a single digital layer. By integrating payments, ticketing, and validation systems, the platform allows commuters to plan, pay, and travel across modes within a unified ecosystem.

At the same time, transport authorities benefit from operational visibility, improved revenue tracking, and data-led decision-making capabilities, helping modernise urban transit infrastructure without disrupting existing systems.

With daily transaction volumes continuing to scale, the INR 100 crore milestone signals both growing commuter trust and institutional adoption of integrated mobility solutions. As Indian cities accelerate investments in public transport and digital infrastructure, AutoPe aims to further strengthen its role as a long-term technology partner in building connected urban mobility networks.