3, Dec 2024
Project Management Institute (PMI) Celebrates 50 Next Generation Project Leaders Shaping a Better World, South Asian honorees shine bright
December 3, 2024— Today, the Project Management Institute (PMI) celebrates 50 exceptional rising leaders who are transforming the world by leveraging their project management skills to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. As shown on the 2024 Future 50 list, these young leaders – all 35 and under – represent a diverse cohort of project professionals, including 6 from South Asia, who are reshaping the future across industries like healthcare, environmental science, technology, and social justice.
These standout professionals are building, creating, and leading transformative projects that not only solve complex problems, but also help pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future. As they demonstrate, effective project management and project professionals have the power to create meaningful change.
The recognition of these 50 leaders comes at a time when project management is more vital than ever. The world needs 2.5 million new project professionals each year by 2030 to fill the talent gap. As AI, climate change, and other macrotrends transform industries and create new opportunities for innovation, the demand for skilled project managers capable of driving this transformation has never been higher. Project management is ranked one of the top ten in-demand skills for 2024, according to a LinkedIn report.
“Many of the critical and complex challenges the world is facing will have to be addressed by a new generation of project professionals,” said Pierre Le Manh, President and Chief Executive Officer at PMI. “It is inspiring to see how they are channeling their passion, talent, and creativity to address climate change, technological disruption, inequality, and other pressing issues in our societies. They demonstrate the true power of project management to drive meaningful change, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.”
Elaborating further on the Future 50’s significance, Mr. Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, said, “The PMI Future 50 exemplifies the transformative power of project management in shaping a better world. These outstanding young executives, who come from diverse backgrounds, are using their project management expertise to tackle the most important issues facing India and the rest of the globe. Their significant initiatives, which range from fostering inclusivity and increasing sustainability to spurring technological innovation, highlight the critical role that qualified project managers play in creating a more sustainable future for everybody. We are immensely proud to honor their accomplishments and the motivational work they are doing to bring about constructive change.”
Among the Future 50 honorees from India are Ananta Gopal Metange, spearheading a groundbreaking $10 million project for Collins Aerospace to localize Airbus Nacelle Cowl hardware. Ankita Bhatia, a senior program manager at Adobe, demonstrates exceptional business acumen. Kaushik Chandra L, recognized as a top performer, oversaw the complex execution of a rural drinking water project impacting over 200 villages in Karnataka. Swati Pundir, a trailblazer in AI, led a generative AI pilot project and Yazhinidevi Devarajan, founder of the award-winning Betawinds, empowers youth through soft skills training.
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- By Rabindra
3, Dec 2024
Media Fusion LLC announces partnership with Heise Medien for CyberSec India Expo 2025
Mumbai, India, 3rd December 2024 – India ranks among the fastest growing global economic markets worldwide, with cyber security becoming increasingly important. To address this development, Media Fusion LLC – a Dubai and India-based tradeshow organiser – and heise medien have entered into a partnership for the “CyberSec India Expo” today. The exhibition and conference is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 11th and 12th June 2025, aiming to attract more than 5,000 trade visitors with 150+ exhibitorsand to establish itself as the leading IT security event in the APAC region.
“With secIT by heise, we have established an extremely successful and steadily growing conference-exhibition in the GSA region. We will bring our experience and connections with IT security providers and IT security professionals to the partnership with Media Fusion,” explains Jörg Mühle, Member of Management Board, heise medien. “The focus will be on supporting exhibitor acquisition and targeted communication with potential participants.”
Taher Patrawala, Managing Director at Media Fusion LLC, adds, “India’s growth in technology and digital transformation is truly remarkable. The cybersecurity market is a prime example—it has grown from $1.98 billion in 2019 to $6 billion in 2023, with a phenomenal CAGR of over 30%. Reports (Data Security Council of India) suggests that by 2028, India is projected to contribute 5% of the global cybersecurity market, cementing its role as a key player on the global stage. For us at Media Fusion, expanding to Mumbai in 2023 was a natural step and the partnership with heise medien has only gone on to strengthen our presence here.”
At this early stage of CyberSec India Expo, Forcepoint has already signed on as the Gold Sponsor, and there is more interest for the show from several Indian and international companies. Their commitment highlights the strong momentum the show has already gained and the waves it is making amongst the cybersecurity community.
3, Dec 2024
Deck 88 at The Astor Goa: A Reimagined Culinary Experience in Exquisite Dining
Tucked away in the scenic bylanes of Candolim, Deck 88 at The Astor Goa is set to make waves with its refreshed identity, offering a perfect blend of coastal-inspired cuisine and a refreshed ambiance designed to captivate food enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Known for its innovative menu, Deck 88 presents a vibrant fusion of local and global flavours. From zesty coastal curries to tantalizing seafood creations inspired by coastlines around the world, every dish is crafted to take diners on a sensory voyage. Guests can look forward to signature offerings like Beef Pepper fry With Curd Foam, Andhra Style Chicken Tartlet, Coorgi Style Pumpkin Stew, Goan Red Rice Risotto, all served with a side of charm and creativity.
The revamped interiors draw inspiration from the timeless elegance of a glasshouse, blending natural light with lush greenery and chic coastal elements. Whether you’re seated under the sparkling fairy lights or beside the verdant greenery, Deck 88 offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Goa, making it an ideal venue for intimate dinners, group celebrations, or a casual evening out.
“With Deck 88, we wanted to create more than just a restaurant—we envisioned a sanctuary where guests can enjoy exceptional food in a stunning yet relaxed atmosphere. This rebranding captures the very essence of Goa’s coastal spirit, offering an unforgettable dining experience,” shares Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager, The Astor Goa.
3, Dec 2024
Vedatya and Leeds Beckett University Sign MOU to open opportunities for International Business Management Pathways for students
3 December 2024 New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move to enhance international education opportunities, Vedatya, one of India’s renowned institutes (affiliated with Gurugram University) has partnered with Leeds Beckett University, UK. The partnership aims to enrich Vedatya’s BBA program with international exposure and collaborative opportunities.
This transformative collaboration provides Vedatya students with direct access to globally recognised programs, equipping them with the skills and credentials to excel in the international arena.
Through this Memorandum of Understanding, eligible Vedatya students can seamlessly enter specific courses at Leeds Beckett University, gaining exposure to advanced academic frameworks and global industry practices. The partnership not only enhances academic offerings but also creates avenues for students to engage with diverse cultures, global networks, and international markets.
Highlighting the potential of this initiative, Managing Promoter, Amit Kapur, at Vedatya, shared, ”This collaboration with Leeds Beckett University is a monumental step in fulfilling our vision of providing students with a truly global education. It paves the way for them to access international opportunities, build cross-cultural competencies, and prepare for leadership roles in an interconnected world economy. We are confident that this collaboration will open new avenues for our students and faculty, fostering innovation and global engagement.”
Students who meet the rigorous eligibility criteria, including proficiency in English (minimum IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5 or equivalent), will be guided through academic counselling to align their aspirations with courses best suited for their career goals. Beyond academics, students will benefit from induction programs, accommodation assistance, and the unparalleled support of a globally reputed institution.
On completing their courses, students will graduate with globally recognised certifications, positioning them as competitive professionals ready to take on the challenges of international industries. This partnership reaffirms Vedatya’s commitment to bridging local expertise with global platforms and Leeds Beckett University’s dedication to fostering impactful international collaborations.
With this five-year partnership, Vedatya Institute has once again demonstrated its leadership in creating transformative learning experiences, ensuring that its students are future-ready in a dynamic global market.
3, Dec 2024
CloudThat Creates History as the First Indian Company to Win Consecutive AWS Training Partner Awards
Las Vegas, NV – December 3, 2024 – CloudThat is excited to announce it is a recipient of the 2024 AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award, recognizing the top AWS Training Partners around the globe that have provided significant contributions related to number of students trained, number of classes delivered, and YoY student growth.
Presented during the Partner Awards Gala at AWS re:Invent 2024, the Geo and Global AWS Partner Awards honor partners demonstrating specialization, innovation, and collaborative excellence. These awards recognize the AWS Partners that have continually evolved their business models to deliver outstanding customer support and success.
CloudThat’s relentless focus on transforming education and closing skill gaps in the cloud-driven era has earned this prestigious distinction. By offering advanced certifications in AI/ML, cloud security, and DevOps, and expanding access to AWS Skill Builder in untapped markets, CloudThat has consistently tailored its training programs to address the dynamic needs of modern cloud technologies. Through its comprehensive training solutions, CloudThat has empowered professionals and organizations to excel, establishing itself as a benchmark in the technology education industry.
“It is an extraordinary honour for CloudThat to become the first Indian company to win the AWS Training Partner of the Year Award (APJ) twice in a row,” expressed Bhavesh Goswami, Founder and CEO of CloudThat. He further added, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the practical, dynamic, and industry-aligned skills needed to thrive in a digital-first world. Winning this award consecutively is a testament to the impact of our training programs and our team’s unwavering commitment to empowering learners with world-class cloud expertise. This milestone inspires us to aim higher, innovate further, and build a future-ready cloud workforce. I am deeply grateful to AWS for this acknowledgment and to our clients, learners, and partners who trust us as their upskilling partner,”.
Rujika Sajeev, Group HR Specialist, L&D at i engineering group, congratulated CloudThat, saying, “Congratulations on being named the AWS Training Partner of the Year 2024. We’ve had the privilege of working with you, and your consistent efforts to raise the bar in training excellence make this award well-deserved.”
Swaroop Nakka, Service Delivery Manager at Cloud4C, also expressed his congratulations, adding, “Winning this award two years in a row is truly a proud moment and a testament to the expertise of the entire CloudThat team. We look forward to continuing to work together and being part of CloudThat’s journey as you scale new heights in cloud training.”
The Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards included a self-nomination process across several award categories, awarded at both the geographic and global level. All AWS Partners were invited to participate and submit a nomination. Award submissions were reviewed by a third-party, Canalys, and selected with special emphasis placed on customer success use cases.
In addition, there were several data-driven award categories, which were evaluated by a unique set of metrics that helped measure AWS Partners’ performance over the past year. Canalys audited the datasets used to ensure that all measurements and calculations were objective and accurate. Finalists represented the top three ranked AWS Partners across each category.
The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program focused on helping partners innovate, accelerate their journey to the cloud, and take full advantage of the breadth and depth of AWS.
CloudThat is honored to receive the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award for 2024, a recognition of its innovative approach to addressing skill gaps and equipping individuals and organizations to excel in the AWS ecosystem.
3, Dec 2024
Onsitego Partners with Adishwar to Offer Extended Warranty and Damage Protection Plans Across Karnataka
Bengaluru, 3rd December 2024: Onsitego, India’s 1 device care provider, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Adishwar, a prominent electronics retail chain with over 70 stores across Karnataka. The partnership aims to bring comprehensive protection plans including extended warranty and damage protection plans to the customers purchasing consumer electronics across all brands from Adishwar.
With these offerings, the two companies are set to enhance the device ownership experience of their customers covering a wide array of products, from smartphones and TV to large and small home appliances.
Gaurav Agarwal, Chief Revenue Officer, Onsitego, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Our partnership with Adishwar represents a significant step forward in our mission to make device protection accessible to a broader audience. We aim to provide the best customer service experience to the loyal customer base of Adishwar across the country.”
Paras Jain MD, Adishwar, added, “We are excited to partner with Onsitego, a leader in device care, to offer extended warranty and damage protection plans to our customers. Devices have become complex over the past so many years and need experts to resolve any issues. Through these plans, we aim to uplift the after sales service experience of our customers and offer them complete peace of mind.”
The companies are working closely to roll out these protection plans across all Adishwar outlets in time for festival buying expected from the first week of October.
3, Dec 2024
HDFC SKY Unveils New Youth Plan to Inspire the Next Generation to MakeMoneyMatter
Mumbai, December 3rd, 2024: HDFC SKY, one of India’s premier discount broking platforms is excited to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Youth Plan, specifically designed to empower the next generation and millennials. This unique initiative aims to equip young individuals with the essential tools, knowledge, opportunities, and resources necessary for navigating the financial markets with higher knowledge and conviction.
In response to this launch, Sandiip Bhardwaj, COO & CDO of HDFC Securities, remarked, “Our younger investors, especially those aged 18 to 25, represent a dynamic and transformative segment of India’s demographic landscape. While the appeal of online tips and the promise of instant success can be enticing, it is crucial for them to place their trust in reliable research.”
“Navigating the complexities of the stock market requires a comprehensive understanding of market trends, effective risk management, and various strategies. These competencies are best developed through education. Relying on tips can result in misinformed decisions and potentially significant financial setbacks. We strongly encourage our youth to leverage the research recommendations available on HDFC SKY and to enhance their financial knowledge and skills through our learning module, SKY Learn,” he emphasized.
The newly launched Youth Plan, designed for customers under the age of 25, offers an exceptional opportunity for young investors. With no brokerage or account maintenance charges across various segments including equity, derivatives, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, currency, and commodities, this plan enables young investors to engage in both delivery and intraday trading without incurring extra costs during its first year. Customers can unlock all the features of the Youth Plan for a nominal fee of just Rs. 499 per year.
In addition to the core offerings, users will benefit from exclusive guidance tailored specifically for the youth, provided by our in-house experts. This guidance will include a practical, actionable journey, featuring expert research recommendations to help young and new investors successfully navigate the markets.
As part of our SKY Learn initiative aimed at expanding financial knowledge and skills, HDFC SKY has released a large amount of informative content across formats which will engage with the youth. The content covers a diverse range of topics, including ETFs, MTFs, Derivatives, Stock SIPs, IPOs, Mutual Funds, and more. Additionally, users will benefit from exclusive webinars, instructional videos, valuable learning tools, and complimentary access to expert forums, all at no additional cost. HDFC SKY is committed to providing its users with the resources they need to expand their financial knowledge and confidence.
3, Dec 2024
Celebrating Resilience and Passion: Jay’s Journey at Conrad Pune
In the dynamic world of hospitality, where every team member plays a pivotal role in crafting exceptional guest experiences, inclusion is a belief, a culture that celebrates the unique talents and contributions of every individual. On this World Disability Day, at Conrad Pune, this commitment shines brightly through the inspiring story of Jay, a 33-year-old employee with Down syndrome, whose inspiring journey is a reflection of how empathy and opportunity can transform lives while fostering a culture of belonging.
Building his career in the hotel’s laundry department, Jay’s role goes beyond the technicalities of his job. His favorite task, the calendar ironing machine, is something he approaches with enthusiasm and pride, yet the inclusive workplace is something that makes all the difference. Jay shares, “I love using the calendar ironing machine—it’s fun to work with and Whenever I need help, my colleagues and seniors are always there to support me. I feel grateful to work with such a helpful and supportive team”. This culture of support at Conrad Pune is done through empathy-building workshops and basic training in sign language for team members to ensure that everyone can communicate effectively and work together seamlessly.
Beyond his work, Jay is a gifted Bollywood dancer. His vibrant performances have become highlights of hotel events, with his Diwali celebration act being particularly memorable as his father proudly watched from the audience. “I’ve danced on various occasions here, and the experience is always fantastic. The last performance during Diwali was especially memorable”, Jay added.
Jay’s aspirations extend beyond his current role. Someday, he hopes to open his Indian cuisine restaurant. His journey so far has been guided by resilience, determination, and a belief that barriers can be broken with the right support. “There is nothing high or low among people—rich or poor—we shouldn’t discriminate. If anyone wants to work in a hotel, big or small, in any department, they should go ahead and do it,” shared Jay.
“At Conrad Pune, and as part of the Hilton family, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated as strengths. Jay’s inspiring journey is a shining example of how empathy, opportunity, and support can unlock potential and transform lives. On this World Disability Day, we are reminded that when we create environments where every individual’s talents are recognized and valued, we not only enrich the workplace but also contribute to building more compassionate and thriving communities. At Conrad Pune, we believe that inclusion isn’t just a principle—it’s a powerful driver of growth, for our team and Hilton as a whole.” said Deepali Singhal, Director of Human Resources at Conrad Pune, in her response to the hotel’s ongoing inclusivity efforts.
At Conrad Pune, Jay’s presence has inspired reflection and growth among his peers. The hotel’s efforts to build an inclusive workplace, through thoughtful initiatives like empathy workshops, highlight the importance of creating spaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
Jay’s story reminds us of the value of inclusion – not just for those given opportunities, but for everyone involved. It’s a narrative of mutual respect, understanding, and the undeniable strength of diversity in building thriving, compassionate communities.
3, Dec 2024
Why Commercial Real Estate Stands Out as a Top Secondary Investment for Maximizing ROI
By Abhishek Tharwani, Director of Tharwani Realty
Commercial property is an excellent alternative investment for those who seek more than just the potential return on investment. Compared to conventional investments in residential property or equities, commercial property offers a powerful combination of greater rental yields, stability, and long-term appreciation that makes it the perfect complement to any type of investment portfolio. This article goes into great depth on what makes commercial real estate so fantastic an investment for investors who look for ROI.
The reason to invest in commercial real estate is much greater returns in rental income. The returns from renting out a residential building tend to average at 3.5%, whereas that of an office space, retail stores, and an industrial warehouse tend to provide returns averaging 6-7% or more in specific locations. They hence provide a great source of steady and meaningful cash flow. In addition, commercial space leasing companies typically enter into longer leases of five to nine years or more. This will provide steady rental income and will also prevent the risk of having too many tenant turnovers.
Another very important factor that draws so many investors to commercial real estate is its appreciation potential. Prime commercial properties in cities that are going through high prosperity and are growing into major business centers will dramatically appreciate over time because of the increased demand for better offices and retail outlets. Appreciation potential in infrastructure-related improvements, new transit links, and emerging commercial areas continues to create long-term riches for investors. Another major plus is the lower possibility of default tenants in commercial properties than residential. Commercial tenants, as businesses, usually sign up into longer and more extensive leases, which makes less chances of defaulting tenants. That is why this investment suits investors who are interested in steady income flows.
Commercial real estate is a very effective investment; besides the income returns, investors also benefit from the following tax benefits. It saves the interest paid against loans, depreciation of properties, and maintenance and management charges. These reduce lower tax liabilities and increase profitability.
For investors who will like to test commercial real estate as an additional flow of investments, the 2025 new year opens bright prospects. Demand for better quality office space, retail developments, and industrial assets will be only at a higher stage as the economy continues to recover with companies expanding their footprints. Government policies in favor of urban development and infrastructure advancement such as metro expansions and smart city plans are expected to appreciate commercial real estate properties to a great deal. Even more encouraging is that the sector is to grow at 13.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Much of this growth comes from strong demand for retail stores, office space, and warehouses. The Grade A office space absorption was more than 40 million square feet, and this is to increase further in 2025, primarily in Tier-II hubs and metro cities. The asset class is going to provide stability along with excellent returns for investors as REITs increase in popularity, and interest rates stabilize. This is also reflected in the 15% annual growth in sales during the holiday season 2024 that does show confidence in markets has been re-established. It will continue up to well into 2025 in order to get corporate business confidence and therefore to offer tremendous opportunities to buy outstanding real estate.
Apart from this, the market remains as an investment hotbed since there is a highly demanding market for it. On the demand side, the city and semi-urban areas have started to have a spiking demand of commercial space from e-commerce, rapid urbanization, and scaling of startups and small entrepreneurs. This also ensures continuous stable returns in well-planned strategic locations and commercial properties. For starters, commercial properties rank unrivaled in stability, profit-yield, and growth irrespective of the level of experience anyone may have in investment, or their level of acquaintance with the market. Should the right methodology and an understanding of the market factors be applied correctly, such an asset class can perhaps be a golden ingredient to a profitable plan.
3, Dec 2024
IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2024: MDB Reforms–Millions to Trillions
New Delhi, 3rd December 2024: India’s apex industry body for alternative assets, the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), hosted the IVCA GreenReturns Summit in New Delhi.
Shri N.K Singh, Former Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission, and Former Member of Parliament, Government of India, was joined by Shalabh Tandon, South Asia Regional Head of Operations and Climate Change, IFC, for a fireside chat on significant MDB reforms.
Discussing the recognition of MDBs and de-risking capital, Shri N.K Singh said, “The blended capital and blended finance have an important role to play. Hybrid capital has come into play and has the issue of guarantee. For the first time, the MDBs have recognised a target, although I wish it was not so modest as $20 billion in terms of guarantees, as we were hoping it would be much more. I think the fact that MIGA has been brought in to have an interplay with the IFC is a very positive step. De-risking capital, which is the first loss guarantee, needs to be talked about more. The issue of how to de-risk and how to improve this sentiment to be able to harness private capital where the uncertainties are somewhat mitigated by actions of the MDBs, I think are laudable steps. ”
Establishing strategic frameworks for climate adaptation and resilience, IVCA GreenReturns Summit aims to increase the flow of commercial and impact capital. To form effective market frameworks, industries must attain economic viability by collaborating closely with policymakers and mobilising climate funding. A pivotal platform for encouraging interactions, IVCA GreenReturns Summit seeks to align climate finance with impactful investments and unlock opportunities for strategic partnerships by hosting meetings with a range of investors and policymakers.
About Shri NK Singh, President, Institute of Economic Growth; Co-Convener, G20 Expert Group on MDB Reforms; and Chairman, 15th Finance Commission of India
Shri NK Singh is a prominent Indian economist, academician, and policy interlocutor. He is currently the President of the Institute of Economic Growth, and Co-Convener of the G20 Independent Expert Group for the reforms of multilateral development banks. He was Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission and presided as Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Review Committee (FRBM). Shri Singh was a member of the Upper House of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, from 2008 to 2014. He was Expenditure Secretary, Revenue Secretary, Member of the Planning Commission, and Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, besides holding other senior leadership roles. He is intermittently connected with a number of think tanks like the Columbia University’s Raj Centre for Indian Economic Policies, and is Member of the Ananta Aspen’s Board of Trustees; Senior Adviser to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF); and a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP). Shri Singh is the author of several books like his autobiography, Portraits of Power: Half a Century of Being at Ringside, as well as Recalibrate: Changing Paradigms, The New Bihar, and Not by Reason Alone: The Politics of Change.
