Archive: September 30, 2023

Umang 2.0, the three-day South India’s biggest Jewellery and Lifestyle show kicked off at Hitex

Jains may be fewer in numbers but contribute significantly to the GDP: Rajarshri Shah, IAS, Dist Collector, Medak

JITO HYDERABAD

 

Hyderabad, September 30, 2023...Jain International Trade Organisation–JITO Hyderabad organising Umang 2.0, South India’s biggest Jewellery and Lifestyle Expo at Hitex in Madhapur city. This is open from 10 am to 8 pm till Sunday. Entry to the expo is free.

The inauguration was a grand affair. To mark the inauguration, Colours of India, a dance drama was performed. It featured various cultures of India with an inspiring message.

JITO Hyderabad, the organisers have also roped in a band Mirajkar, composed of 50 performers, both men and women from Solapur, Maharashtra, performing on the dol(drums).

The visitors were given a surprise by ferrying them in retro, vintage cars such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Audi cars.

The expo spread over 2 lakh sq foot areas is spread over all three hangers at Hitex and has 500 exhibitors showcasing jewellery, lifestyle, furniture, automobiles, home decoration products and others.

It was formally inaugurated by Shri Rajarshri Shah, IAS, Dist Collector, Medak accompanied by JITO Dignitaries Sanjay Ji. Ghodawat, Director, JITO Apex, Prithviraj Jii Kothari, Zone Chairman, Mumbai.

The other office bearers of JITO who graduated include Sushil Sancheti, Chairman; Paresh Shah, Chief Secretary; B.L. Bhandari, Treasurer–JITO Hyderabad Chapter; Gautam Sehlot, Expo Chairman and Surender Bantia, Rohit Kothari, Lalit Chopra, Expo Co-Chairman.

Speaking at the inauguration, Rajarshri Shah, District Collector of Medak District said that Umang 2.0 is not just an expo but is a spirit of entrepreneurship and a platform celebration. It is also a fusion of tradition. The Jain community is traditionally a business community. Business is there in their genes. But, of late they are also getting into administration, Judiciary, Police and service sectors. I am an example of Jains getting into administrative services. The major philosophy taught in Jainism is to keep the tradition to heart. And this expo is about both tradition, trade and whatnot. The Jain community may be less in numbers in terms of population, but their contribution to the GDP is very significant.

seen cultural activities at the opening ofr Umang 2.0 the south indias biggest jewellery and lifestyle expo

 

Jains are less than 0.5% in India still; they are among the highest contributors to personal Income tax. Jains are the only minority community in this country that never sought any minority favours/reservations.

Giving his opening notes, Sushil Sancheti said the exhibition is the labour of love of many months. It is spread over 4 halls. Hall 1 is the Corporate and Wedding Arena; Hall 2 is the Diamond / Gold / Silver Jewellery section; Hall 3 is the Lifestyle Arena and related Products and Hall 4 is the Automobile Arena. Nearly 75,000 footfall is expected in the next three days.

Prakash Sethiya, TNAPTS Zone (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Zone) described it as a red-letter day, as JITO Hyderabad has put up a mega Jewellery show, which has now become the talk of the nation.

Paresh Shah, Chief Secretary said JITO Hyderabad has done 169 programs in the last year

The Project Chairman Gautam Sehlot said the expo is a result of 4 months of labour. The main aim of this is to provide a platform to showcase products, start-up ideas and women entrepreneurs’ potential to explore the market, encourage economically poor women, and businesses by offering stalls at economical prices, and also celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship.

A spiritual session by renowned spiritual leader Mahatria Ra was held. Over 1,500 people were in attendance at the session. If you want to have a great family, create a family of friendship, he told his audience, who listened for 90 minutes with rapt attention.

GM Modular stationed a unique bus, a ‘showroom on the wheels. This is the world’s first luxury showroom on wheels. The bus which is said to have been built at a cost of Rs 5 crore is designed by Dilip Chhabria, an acclaimed automobile designer in India. The state-of-the-art bus fully equipped with the latest innovations like designer switches, decor lighting, home automation solutions and more from GM offered an opportunity for everyone to experience the cream-of-the-crop products in a unique way. This bus has turned many heads and visitors have been enthusiastically checking up on the products on display in the bus.

Besides the exhibition, the expo has a conference and motivational enclosure, where speaker sessions and entertainment activities are held. Women, youth conclaves, Sufi Night, Dr Vivek Bindra, Motivational Session, Kavi Sammelan, Dandiya Raas etc.

Synchrony Named Among India’s Best Workplaces for Women 2023 by Great Place To Work India

SynchronyHyderabad, 30 September 2023: Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company, has been recognized among the Top 10 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2023 by Great Place To Work® India. This acknowledgment underscores Synchrony’s dedication to its people-centric culture and its ongoing efforts to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Synchrony places a strong emphasis on employee well-being and diversity through a multifaceted approach. The company offers 100% work-from-home flexibility and flexible schedules, promoting work-life integration and individual choice. Synchrony fosters an open, inclusive culture where employees are valued and heard.

Synchrony is committed to advancing diverse talent, with a focus on hiring, developing, and promoting female employees. The company’s commitment to women and girls expands beyond our walls. Synchrony has committed support of nearly $500,000 for its various citizenship programs in India, primarily focusing on female education under its Education as an Equalizer program. Synchrony actively enables diversity through its Women’s Network+ employee resource group and initiatives such as the ‘Working Mothers Who Make It Work’ program.

“We are proud to be recognized as one of India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women in 2023 by Great Place To Work® India,” said Gaurav Sehgal, Senior Vice President of human Resources – Asia at Synchrony. “Our unwavering commitment to gender diversity is embedded in our hiring practices and our focus on empowering women in their careers. We have achieved a significant milestone, hiring 60% women across various roles this year. Our investment in initiatives like digital onboarding, remote collaboration tools, and e-learning platforms – The Critical Experience Program and Certification Reimbursement Program have been instrumental in facilitating professional advancement, with 43% of internal movements being women employees, of which 34% have transitioned into managerial and leadership roles. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating a high-trust culture and empowering workplace for women at Synchrony.”

“In today’s dynamic business landscape, recognizing the importance of gender diversity is not merely an ethical imperative but a strategic necessity. As highlighted in our recent report, the representation of women within the workforce is paramount, especially considering the growing demographic of women consumers. The commitment of each winning organization on India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women 2023 list to improving this representation is commendable. By having more women at all levels of your organization, you are uniquely positioned to understand and cater to the evolving needs of this ever-expanding consumer segment. This augmentation is pivotal for long-term success in today’s market, both in India and internationally.

Our research shows that the Best Workplaces for Women 2023 deliver a remarkable 5% more positive experience to their female employees, resulting in an astounding 89% of women demonstrating a strong commitment to going the extra mile in their tasks. It is clear that as the cultural experience for women in the workplace improves, so does the overall performance of the organization. Your dedication to creating a nurturing environment is not just empowering your female employees but is also driving business excellence.

One of the most encouraging findings in our report is the consistent upward trajectory in the representation of women within the workforce. From 21% in 2021, this figure has risen to an impressive 26% in 2023, a testament to your ongoing commitment to gender diversity. Best Workplaces have excelled in this regard, employing 17% more females in their workforce compared to their peers.

However, there is still work to be done. Despite progress, the representation of women in executive, C-level management, and CEO positions in India has remained at 16% over the last two years. This highlights the ongoing importance of fostering greater gender diversity in leadership roles for sustained progress. It is a challenge we must collectively address to ensure that our workplaces truly reflect the diversity of talent and perspectives that drive innovation and excellence.

Congratulations to all the winners on achieving this remarkable accomplishment. Your dedication to creating inclusive, empowering, and diverse workplaces not only enriches the lives of your employees but also sets a shining example for the entire business community. Together, we can continue to drive positive change and shape a future where every workplace is a Great Place To Work® For All™. “said Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, Serial Entrepreneur & CEO, of Great Place To Work India.

Synchrony prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its employees through a robust package of comprehensive health policies and competitive benefits. The benefits package includes paid parental and care leave, maternity benefits, daycare reimbursement, family planning support, and infertility treatment coverage. Within the organization, an open and inclusive culture fosters employee engagement, with a 94% participation rate in the Great Place to Work (GPTW) survey.

Synchrony has been recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion over the years. This is reflected by their past accolades, including being ranked #5 among India’s Best Companies to Work for 2023, #21 under LinkedIn Top Companies in India list, Top 5 in DEI, Top 10 in Women category, and Top 25 BFSI recognition from Great Place To Work India.

South cities contribute almost 60percent of the 38 msf office demand in YTD 2023

Gurgaon, India, 30 September 2023: The first three quarters of 2023 recorded 38 mn sq ft of gross absorption across the top 6 cities, almost equivalent to the gross absorption of the corresponding period in 2022; signaling sturdy momentum, despite ongoing global volatility. Bengaluru and Delhi NCR led the demand during Q1-Q3 2023, accounting for about half of the total demand for office space in India. The third quarter alone witnessed 13.2 mn sq ft of leasing activity across the top six cities, slightly higher than the average 12.6 mn sq ft quarterly demand since 2022.

South cities contribute almost 60percent of the 38 msf office demand in YTD 2023

Demand is more diversified; Flex, Engineering & Manufacturing, and BFSI sectors contribute significantly towards space take-up

2023 has been characterized by demand diversification. Although the technology sector continues to drive the demand with a 25% share in YTD leasing, demand is now more broad-based spanning across sectors. The shares of flex spaces, Engineering and manufacturing, and BFSI sectors have seen significant sectoral gains by up to 6 percentage points (pp) each. Flex spaces, especially, continue to perform well in 2023, as occupiers continued to prefer dynamic working arrangements for their portfolios. Overall, Bengaluru and Delhi NCR were the most preferred locations for flex players for their expansion.

“Contrary to earlier belief, India office demand for the first three quarters of 2023, has followed an overall trajectory almost similar to 2022. With strong domestic macroeconomic indicators backing the demand for office space, the momentum is likely to continue in the last quarter of the year. It would be interesting to see if 2023 could breach the historic high leasing activity of 2022.” says Peush Jain, Managing Director, Office Services, India, Colliers.

“Driven by tech-based occupiers, the southern office markets of Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai continue to witness heightened leasing activity. The three cities accounted for the bulk of the demand, with about 57% share in the first three quarters of 2023. While Chennai’s Q3 demand rationalized, Hyderabad witnessed a strong 64% QoQ growth in gross leasing. Although Bengaluru will continue to dominate India leasing activity in 2023, Chennai and Hyderabad are likely to see greater demand acceleration in the last quarter of the year.” says Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office services, South & Head of Flex, Colliers India.

Amidst global uncertainties, domestic occupiers driving the office market activity in YTD 2023

While foreign-origin companies have been driving the office space demand pre-pandemic, domestic occupiers have become active influencers in India’s office market from 2022 onwards. Despite the global economic volatility, domestic occupiers accounted for almost half of the office space take-up in 2023. While tech occupiers both domestic and foreign, prolonged their real estate portfolio level decisions, domestic companies especially from the Engineering & Manufacturing, BFSI, Pharma & Healthcare, and flex spaces stepped up and took up incremental office space across the top 6 cities of India.

Vacancy levels remained rangebound led by nearly steady new supply and demand

During YTD 2023, new supply across the top six cities dipped 1% YoY. Around 33 mn sq ft. of developments were completed in the first three quarters of 2023. Hyderabad witnessed significant new completions, contributing to 37% of the total new supply, closely followed by Bengaluru with 33% share. The first three quarters of 2023 have seen an average of 10.9 mn sq ft of new deliveries, at par with the 10.7 mn sq ft quarterly average of 2022. Led by a nearly steady demand and supply influx, overall vacancy and rentals remained rangebound.

“Despite externalities, fundamentals of the India office market remain strong, and 2023 activity has been at par with 2022. While there is a healthy supply pipeline for the next few years, developers have been cautious of infusing supply in tandem with market demand dynamics. Vacancy levels since 2022 have been in the range of 15-20% across most cities, signaling stability in occupancy levels. Return to office mandates, despite the increased preference for hybrid working augurs well for the near-term office space demand. Consequentially, rentals are likely to remain firm across key micro markets.” says Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, at Colliers India.

Greenlam Industries announces commencement of commercial production at its greenfield laminate project at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh

Greenlam IndustriesSeptember 30, 2023: Greenlam Industries Ltd., among the world’s top 3 laminate manufacturers announced the commencement of commercial production at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh September 29, 2023. The establishment of a laminate unit in South India marks a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand for quality laminate sheets and compact boards.

Being a pioneer in decorative surfacing solutions and entering a substrate category, Greenlam offers products ranging from decorative laminates, compact laminates, exterior & interior clads, decorative veneers, engineered wooden floors & doors, and plywood for residential and commercial spaces. Committed to excellence in manufacturing and being a leader in providing surface solutions globally, the new project will accelerate Greenlam Industries’ market opportunity and will add new revenue engines to its growth.

The manufacturing facility, operated by Greenlam South Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Greenlam Industries, has been established as a greenfield project with an impressive production capacity of 3.50 million laminate sheets and compact boards per annum. The establishment of this manufacturing facility is a testament to Greenlam Industries’ commitment to excellence and innovation in the laminate industry and to contribute to the region’s economic growth and provide top-quality laminate products to its customers. On a consolidated basis, this manufacturing facility has the potential to generate annual revenue of Rs. 600 Crores at full capacity utilization. The location of this facility is further enriched by its demographic advantage, as South India is the largest market and its proximity to the port will help us cater to the international markets by significantly streamlining logistics and reducing transit time.

Speaking on the developments, Mr. Saurabh Mittal, Managing Director and CEO, of Greenlam Industries Ltd. said “We are extremely thrilled to announce our manufacturing facility commencing commercial production at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh. This momentous occasion underscores our unwavering dedication to achieving manufacturing excellence and reaffirms our leadership in delivering world-class surface solutions on a global scale.

The launch of this new facility marks an important milestone in our journey, signifying a substantial expansion of our manufacturing capabilities. We are proud to report that our installed capacity for laminates and compact boards has been augmented from 21.02 million per annum to 24.52 million laminate sheets and compact boards per annum on a consolidated basis, across four strategically located laminate plants. This substantial increase in capacity not only demonstrates our commitment to meeting the growing demands of our valued customers but also cements our already strong position in the global laminate industry.

The total capital expenditure (capex) incurred for the project stands at approximately 239 crores till the commencement of the commercial production. This new facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and adheres to the highest industry standards, reflecting our dedication to producing products of unparalleled quality. With this expansion, we are better positioned than ever to cater to the diverse needs of our consumers.

We look forward to continuously innovating and serving our customers with the highest quality products.”

Mahindra Logistics Unveils 6.5 lakh sq. ft. multi-client warehouse in Bhiwandi near Mumbai

 

Mahindra LogisticsBangalore, 30 September, 2023: Mahindra Logistics Ltd., one of India’s largest integrated logistics solutions providers, unveiled its state-of-the-art warehouse in Bhiwandi, located near Mumbai. This facility spans an expansive 6.5 lakh square feet allowing Mahindra Logistics Ltd. to provide flexible, scalable fulfillment and integrated distribution solutions.

The new warehouse will be an important part of Mahindra Logistics Ltd.’s Pan-India network of multi-client facilities that manage the fulfillment and distribution of its diverse clients in the automotive, e-commerce, and FMCG industries. It offers easy access to prominent industrial and manufacturing clusters near Nashik and Vapi facilitating efficient logistics operations. With proximity to India’s largest port, this facility is poised to play a pivotal role in the supply chain enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods.

The facility has been designed in accordance with Mahindra Logistics Ltd. sustainability standards, encompassing liquid discharge management, 100% on-site renewable energy, and waste management protocols. The facility provides a substantial 30% green cover contributing to environmental conservation and is IGBC platinum certified.

The Grade-A warehouse has 84 docks, a 13-meter clear height, and a load-bearing capacity of 8 MT/M2, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications supporting MLL’s 3PL, Last-mile delivery, and Express businesses.

Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO of Mahindra Logistics Limited, said, “To bolster our capacity and address the growing demand, we have been augmenting our network with the addition of Built-to-Suit (BTS) warehousing facilities across India. Our latest facility in Bhiwandi is located in one of India’s prominent industrial hubs, enabling us to broaden our portfolio of integrated solutions for our valued clientele in the region. It embodies our dedication to delivering world-class, technology-driven solutions and aligns with our vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, exemplified by our pursuit of an IGBC certification for this facility.”

PVR Inox Launches The First P[Xl] And All 4KLaser Cinema In Mohali

PVR PXL Audi_National, September 30, 2023: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India has announced the opening of its second cinema in Mohali today featuring the first P[XL] and all 4K Laser Cinema in the city of Mohali. The new 7-screen multiplex at CP 67 Mall, Sector 67, International Airport Road, Mohali would offer city residents yet another out-of-home entertainment destination to watch movies in the best of immersive environment.

With this opening, PVR INOX unveils its 5th property in tri-city (Mohali, Panchkula, and Chandigarh) and will strengthen its foothold in Punjab with 83 screens in 16 properties continuing its expansion in the Northern part of India with 464 screens in 104 properties.

Strategically located in the vicinity of Chandigarh International Airport, the new property has a total seating capacity of 754 audiences and features 1 P[XL], 2 LUXE, and 4 impressively-designed auditoriums offering all 4K RGB Laser projection. The 7-screen property is equipped with RealD 3D technology in the P[XL] auditorium for an immersive experience and Dolby Atmos for a powerful and captivating sound experience.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said, “We are glad to open our second property in Mohali, recognizing Punjab’s significance as a key market and representing a substantial opportunity for our expansion strategy in the northern region. The new cinema introduces the very first P[XL] with laser projection in Punjab and introduces a bespoke cinema experience that blends luxury and technology. As we aim to meet the changing audience preferences, we remain committed to introducing innovative and world-class cinematic experiences across the nation. We are confident that our customers will embrace our new cinema as they seek a complete and immersive movie-watching experience.’’

With a contemporary design language, the cinema is styled with sophisticated finishes like autumn brown, black, grey, and gold metallic colors to create an opulent environment. It features a LUXE lounge with an exclusive concession counter. The use of curated artworks of prominent actors and actresses further enhances the visual appeal of the multiplex. Additionally, the cinema will offer an extensive range of gourmet delicacies with the ease of ordering to cater to varied customer preferences.

P[XL] is a premium large screen cinema format with extra-large screens, state-of-the-art 4K RGB laser projection systems, advanced Dolby Atmos sound, and RealD 4 D to bring alive every little detail of the movie. LUXE is a luxury cinema format intended for an audience segment that desires a great and exclusive experience with a live kitchen serving a wide variety of freshly prepared food & beverages and reclining seats.

Expressing his views on the launch announcement, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited said, ‘’It is extremely gratifying to introduce yet another advanced cinema concept for our patrons in the tri-city of Punjab. The introduction of P[XL] with laser projection allows audiences to experience a world of heightened realism making the movie going experience truly extra-large. We remain committed to enhancing the out-of-home entertainment experience beyond metros, ensuring they meet the highest global standards. We are confident that our latest cinema will emerge as the go-to destination for all movie enthusiasts in Mohali, Panchkula, and Chandigarh.”

Saudi Music Commission launches Saudi Football Trouq Initiative to preserve the resounding chants of football clubs

Riyadh, 30 September 2023 – The third edition of the National Cultural Awards took place yesterday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, where individuals and entities were presented with awards in honor of their valuable contributions to the Kingdom’s cultural sector. Following the success of previous years, the Saudi Ministry of Culture expanded the awards to the international community in its 2023 edition, honoring individuals, and institutions from around the world that have demonstrated excellence in their field. The Saudi Commission has launched “Saudi Football Trouq”, a unique initiative that is dedicated to the documentation of Saudi football club chants. This endeavor, driven by the Commission’s commitment to preserving the Kingdom’s diverse musical and artistic heritage, is carried out in collaboration with the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society — an organization accredited by UNESCO for its dedication to intangible cultural heritage. The initiative follows a meticulous and scientific approach, aligning with the documentation and inventory methodology approved by the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

Through “Saudi Football Trouq”, the Commission will create an integrated archive that includes club chants, related press articles, books, and relevant research and studies. It highlights how music shapes collective passion and memories, with fan chants playing a pivotal role in defining moments throughout the history of Saudi football.

This initiative emphasises the intrinsic connection between music, culture, and society, but transcends traditional documentation. Following field surveys with fan associations of major Saudi clubs, musicians, athletes, and historians, “Saudi Football Trouq” will present visual narratives that eloquently chronicle the history of these clubs through their cherished chants.

Significant progress has already been made in this initiative. The initial desk research phase involved meticulously inventorying 170 clubs spanning the Kingdom’s history. Furthermore, 835 visual, auditory, and written elements closely associated with Saudi football club chants have been compiled, 41 relevant books catalogued, in addition to a collection of pertinent articles and evocative images from matches resonating with these chants.

The “Saudi Football Trouq” initiative highlights the Saudi Music Commission’s unwavering commitment to preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural tapestry. By delving into the evocative chants of football clubs, it breathes life into history, music, and collective memory, affirming the enduring power of artistic expressions in shaping national identity and cultural heritage.

Makoons Group of School Receives Prestigious Play School Franchisor of the Year 2023 Award

MAKOONS LOGONew Delhi, 30 September 2023 – Makoons Group of School, an exceptional early childhood institution, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the esteemed ‘Play School Franchisor of the Year 2023’ award by the Pride of Indian Education Awards. Neha Dhupia, the chief guest presented the award. This award acknowledges Makoons Group of Schools’ relentless dedication towards early childhood and its outstanding contributions to the education sector.

The Makoons Group of Schools’ commitment to delivering excellent education and encouraging holistic development in young learners has been proven by the “Play School Franchisor of the Year” award. Makoons Group of School provides a network of exceptional play schools all throughout the country, and it continuously exemplifies innovation, educational quality, and a supportive atmosphere for children.

This award honors Makoons Group of Schools as a pioneer in the field of early education and setting benchmarks for other organisations in the field. The unique curriculum committed teachers, and the positive impact Makoons has had on so many kids and their families have left a lasting impression on the selection committee.

Speaking about this remarkable achievement, Vijay Kumar Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Makoons Group of Schools expressed, “We are profoundly honoured to earn the ‘Play School Franchisor of the Year 2023’ Award. This acknowledgement strengthens our dedication to giving young brains a top-notch education and fostering an atmosphere that encourages their development into confident and competent adults. Our committed workforce, encouraging franchise partners, and, most importantly, the eager kids who motivate us every day are part of our success.”

At last, Team Makoons extended its heartfelt gratitude to its parents, students, and well-wishers for their steadfast support during this amazing journey, as well as its valued franchise partners.

Drone Deliveries and Airspace Navigation Take Centre Stage in the City of Kolkata

Kolkata, 30 September 2023: In a visionary move towards embracing cutting-edge technology, the City of Joy, Kolkata, is set to revolutionize urban landscapes with the integration of drone technology. This innovative step is poised to bring forth a plethora of benefits for the public at large, heralding a new era of efficiency and safety in various sectors.

The integration of drones into Kolkata’s infrastructure will be spearheaded by Skye Air, a pioneering entity specializing in aerial technology solutions. Working hand-in-hand with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other authorities, Skye Air is poised to ensure that drone flights are conducted in a manner that is safe, reliable, and consistent with all pertinent regulations.

The event, held on September 27th, 2023, at Hotel Taj Vivanta, EM Bypass, Kolkata, showcased the technological benefit enabled by Skye Air Mobility, India’s leading SaaS-based autonomous logistics solution provider. The event was graced by Shri Debashis Sen, Chairman of NKDA and Managing Director of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corp Ltd, and Capt. Eshaan Khullar, AVP-Business of Skye Air Mobility Pvt Ltd.

With this pioneering technology, the region is set to become a trailblazer in utilizing drone technology to enhance deliveries and bolster security against aerial infiltration.

This day heralds a new era in drone technology deployment across diverse sectors such as construction, agriculture, healthcare, defense, infrastructure, surveying, real estate, and transport.

Incorporating drone deliveries into daily operations promises transformative benefits. These include significantly reduced delivery times, particularly critical in emergency healthcare situations, where timely access to life-saving medicines and supplies is paramount. Additionally, replacing traditional delivery vehicles with drones will reduce carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. Businesses can expect substantial cost savings in logistics, enhancing profitability.

Another notable highlight is the Skye UTM, a state-of-the-art cloud-based aerial traffic management system capable of handling up to 4,000 flights per hour and 96,000 flights per day. Skye UTM provides situational awareness, autonomous navigation, risk assessment, and traffic management for all aerial mobility operators.

Ankit Kumar, Founder & CEO of Skye Air Mobility, emphasized the significance of real-time situational awareness and the efficiency of drone deliveries, stating, “In a world where speed and precision are paramount, the need for drone deliveries cannot be overstated. We are enabling precise, efficient, and secure drone deliveries that will revolutionize various industries. Whether it’s delivering life-saving medical supplies or reducing delivery times for businesses, drones are the future of logistics.”

Shri Debashis Sen, Chairman of NKDA, echoed his enthusiasm for the Skye UTM, saying, “This project is a significant step towards enhancing the security and efficiency of aerial operations in New Town Kolkata. It will not only facilitate innovative deliveries but also secure our skies against unauthorized infiltration. By incorporating drone deliveries into our daily operations, we can ensure faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions.”

The demonstration of Skye UTM showcased its capabilities, including support for over 300 successful Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights and a comprehensive 3D view of the drone airspace. The system captures more than 255 parameters of UAV movements, providing real-time UAV movement data to operators.

The City of Joy’s adoption of drone technology represents a significant leap forward in urban innovation. By harnessing the potential of aerial technology, Kolkata is poised to unlock new possibilities in various sectors, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

SWRE wins new order from NTPC REL in Khavda, Gujarat

Mumbai; 30 September 2023: Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited (SWRE) (BSE Scrip Code: 542760; NSE Symbol: SWSOLAR), announced that it has received the Notification of Award for the EPC project of 300 MWac of NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) at Khavda RE Power Park, Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The total Contract Price, including O&M for 3 years, would be INR 1,535 crore (inclusive of taxes).

This is the third order for SWRE from NTPC REL in just over a year. This 300 MWac project is synergistically located between the first two projects won. The formal contract signing is likely to happen in due course.

Mr. Amit Jain, Global CEO, of Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Group said, “We are delighted to win and partner again with NTPC Renewable Energy. The continued partnership further demonstrates the trust and leadership of SWRE’s project management capabilities and global expertise. The new order win of 300 MWac complements our existing portfolio of ~2.47 GWac currently under execution for NTPC REL in Khavda and helps us leverage the low module price environment globally.”

“With this order, our year-to-date order booking stands at ~ INR 3,100 crore. The domestic order pipeline continues to remain strong and we’re confident of surpassing the FY 2023 order booking in this financial year. Over the past decade, we have been a dominant player in the domestic market and are poised to delivering high-quality renewable solutions that drive sustainability and make a positive impact on the world and look forward to spearheading the journey with continuous growth and innovation”, he added.