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IIM Jammu hosts Mumbai Roundtable Conference

Mumbai, 15th Sept 2025:The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted a landmark Mumbai Roundtable Conference on 12th Sept 2025 at Hotel Orchid, Mumbai bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. The Roundtable Conference focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, addressing workforce evolution, and leveraging technology to prepare students for future employment.

The Roundtable Conference was graced by Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, and Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along with other eminent dignitaries from the industry. The event commenced with participant registration, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and an introductory video on IIM Jammu, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions.

Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, in his address, emphasized that the Mumbai Roundtable Conference represents a significant step in IIM Jammu’s efforts to foster purposeful collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that in today’s fast-evolving global landscape, academic institutions must not operate in silos but engage proactively with industry leaders to co-create solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. He highlighted that such platforms are instrumental in aligning education with the needs of the economy, preparing students for emerging challenges, and driving national development. He further urged both academic and industry stakeholders to work together on areas of critical importance such as climate change, digital transformation, and equitable growth, reiterating that the strength of such partnerships lies in their ability to bring diverse perspectives to a common table. He concluded by underlining that such joint efforts will play a pivotal role in realizing the clarion call of Viksit Bharat 2047 given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, underscored the Institute’s impressive growth journey and its steadfast focus on integrating academic excellence with practical, real-world exposure through strong industry linkages. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in creating a dynamic and future-ready education ecosystem, one that nurtures graduates who are both intellectually robust and industry-prepared. Reflecting on India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, he emphasized the significance of initiatives like Project YUVA, launched in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in fostering employment generation through entrepreneurship. He urged all stakeholders to align their personal and institutional aspirations with the broader mission of national growth and nation building. He reiterated that IIM Jammu has achieved the rare distinction of securing two prestigious international accreditations, BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation for its MBA programme in the same year. He highlighted that this milestone places IIM Jammu among the top five IIMs nationwide and makes it the only second-and third-generation IIM to hold both rare achievements, reinforcing its position as an emerging global hub of excellence in management education.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, in his introductory remarks, outlined the Roundtable Conference as a pivotal platform for bridging academic insights with industry practices. He stressed the importance of such forums in aligning educational frameworks with the dynamic and evolving demands of the workforce.

The Mumbai Roundtable Conference held on 12th Sept 2025 featured three insightful panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and experts to address critical issues shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Panel One focused on the theme “The Power of Networking: How Industry Interactions Can Open Doors” and brought together leading industry experts who shared insights on how strategic networking and active engagement with professionals can create opportunities, foster collaborations, and expand career horizons. The panel featured Ms. Pallavi Khot, CHRO, ICICI Lombard; Mr. Manoj K. Prasad, VP HR, Digital Transformation & Organization Change Management, Reliance Industries Limited; Ms. Surya Saraf, Global Alliance Manager, Tech Mahindra; Mr. K.R. Venktadri, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Chemicals; Mr. Devang Ved, VP, State Street; Mr. Manoj Upadhyaya, Director – Transformation & Operations, Morningstar; and Mr. Prakash Lakhiani, Head HR – Vice President – People Experience, Prime Focus Technologies and was moderated by Ms. Anushri Verma, VP HR, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Panel Two centered around the theme “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: Industry Needs in Young Talent”, where eminent industry leaders discussed the evolving expectations from young professionals and highlighted the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation in meeting industry demands. The panel featured Ms. Kanika Garg, COO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited; Ms. Gauri Desai, HR Lead-India (HRBP), Seaspan Corporation; Dr. Indu Nair, DSO, Bayer; Mr. Yogesh Udhoji, CFO, Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited; Dr. Brillian S.K. DTM, PRA, Chief People Officer, Times Pro; Ms. Amruta Borlikar, Associate Director TA, Astaguru; and Dr. Srikanth Dahagam, CHRO, Go Apptiv Private Limited. The session was moderated by Mr. Kalpesh S. Dave, Deputy CEO, Bajaj Capital.

Panel Three, on the theme “Learning Beyond Books: Role of Industry in Making Education More Practical”, brought together distinguished industry leaders who emphasized the value of experiential learning, real-world exposure, and industry-academia partnerships in bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application. The panel featured Mr. Ramakrishna Vyamajala, CHRO, Home First India; Dr. Mukund Kamath, Vice President –Sales and Marketing, Consumer Health Care, Torrent Pharma; Mr. Lavita Theroth, Head HR, Essens Renewable Pvt. :Ltd; Shri Shiv Kumar, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, L’Oréal; Mr. Mukesh Jain, Executive Vice-President and CTO, Capgemini; Ms. Bhoomi Ahuja; Talent Acquisition & Development, Strategist, Reevooy; Ms. Poonam Chandok, Vice President & Head-HR, L&T Energy (Hydrocarbon); Dr. Vithal V. Kamat; Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Kamat Hotels; and Mr. Kunjvihari Jandhyala, Chief Strategic-HR, Tata Power. The session was moderated by Ms. Mugdha Kolhatkar, Country HR Lead, Glencore.

The event culminated with the National Anthem. Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, Dr. Garima Saini, Assistant Professor, IIM Jammu and Dr. Manu Bansal, Assistant Professor IIM Jammu along with industry experts and students from the Industry Interaction Cell and Placement Committee of IIM Jammu.

The Mumbai Roundtable Conference further strengthened academia-industry collaboration, paving the way for actionable outcomes benefiting students and the corporate world. IIM Jammu remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and shape the future of education and professional development.

Under-40 Consumers Skip Life Insurance Amid Delayed Marriage and Parenthood Trends

Mumbai, September 15, 2025 – The World Life Insurance Report 2026, conducted jointly by the Capgemini Research Institute and LIMRA, shows that even though 68% of adults under the age of 40 see life insurance as essential for a healthy financial future, current offerings do not align with their financial priorities, hindering adoption. The report finds that young consumers[1] seek near-term gratification through easy-to-access benefits throughout their life, which are often not included in a traditional life insurance policy. While some carriers offer these benefits, 1-in-4 consumers are still turning down life insurance due to confusing processes and complex jargon that make policies difficult to understand and use.

An industry in transition: a need to demonstrate relevance to next-gen policyholders

The life insurance industry is facing a critical challenge as its next generation of customers redefines their major life milestones. The Capgemini-LIMRA study reveals consumers under the age of 40 today are delaying or skipping the traditional triggers for purchasing life insurance: 63% have no immediate marriage plans and 84% of both single and married people have no immediate plans to have a child.

The report, which polled over 6,100 individuals aged 18-39 across 18 markets, highlights a notable paradox as the great wealth transfer gets underway over the next 15-20 years. With millennials and Gen Z expecting an average inheritance of US$106,000 per person, life insurance remains an important destination for these funds. In fact, forty percent of under 40 adults rank life insurance and annuities as the third most important pillar for their inheritance investment plan, behind stocks and cash savings.

“As the next generation accumulates wealth and pursues a less traditional life path, their expectations around financial protection are evolving. The life insurance industry cannot rely solely on traditional death protection to sustain its future. Life insurers need to demonstrate value to include near-term gratification — delivering tangible benefits that customers can access during their lifetime,” said Samantha Chow, Global Leader for Life Insurance, Annuities and Benefits Sector at Capgemini. “Fortunately, life insurers can bridge this gap by deploying innovative products and articulating their value in ways that resonate with tomorrow’s policyholders.”

Revamping the life insurance value proposition for the Under-40s

Life insurers are beginning to recognize how the needs and expectations for the under-40 market differ from older customers. Global life insurance executives identify factors such as aging populations and rising longevity (64%), delayed life milestones (53%), and continued economic uncertainty (51%) as key drivers of their long-term strategies.

However, perceptions about life insurance remain a hurdle for carriers. When asked about barriers to purchasing life insurance, younger consumers cite a misalignment with their current stage in life (32%), high premium costs (28%), and lack of immediate benefits (25%). Instead, these younger adults demand easy access to ‘living benefits’ that support their changing life journeys, seeking everything from wellness rewards for healthy behaviors to coverage for fertility treatments.

“Carriers need a different playbook when marketing life insurance to the younger generations,” said Bryan Hodgens, Senior Vice President and Head of LIMRA Research. “Our joint research shows that the price misconceptions, coupled with competing financial priorities, positions life insurance at a disadvantage with younger adults. Carriers must not only demonstrate the accessibility and affordability of life insurance but also need to reimagine the product to address younger adults’ current financial priorities while adapting to meet their future financial goals as they age.”

Consumers also want life insurance that isn’t contingent on their current employer. Despite 44% of employees with a group policy seeking coverage that moves with them when they change jobs, only 19% of life insurers currently offer it. A complex conversion process limits portability and prevents many benefit providers from keeping long-term customers. Therefore, many consumers have no choice but to change policies when they switch jobs, even if they are happy with their previous coverage.

Technological capabilities are essential for under 40s

Delivering the living benefits and seamless experiences that younger consumers demand requires a richer value proposition, channel innovation, and a technological transformation. According to the report, 59% of under-40s want direct digital engagement, but just 31% of insurers surveyed offer the platforms to enable it. This shortfall is even more pronounced when it comes to advanced technologies, as 77% of consumers expect comprehensive, data-driven recommendations, but only 16% of insurers that participated in the survey provide them at scale, largely due to outdated legacy systems.

GD Goenka University launches a new course in Aerospace in collaboration with Redbird Flight Training

Gurugram, September 13th, 2025: GD Goenka University, one of India’s leading institutions for higher education, announced the launch of a unique, first-of-its-kind aviation program under its Center for Aerospace and Energy Studies, in collaboration with Redbird Flight Training, India’s largest and most advanced Flight Training Organization (FTO).

This groundbreaking initiative combines academic degree studies with professional pilot training creating a new pathway for India’s aviation professionals. Unlike conventional programs, students will graduate with both a university degree and a pilot’s license, empowering them to pursue careers not only in India but also across global aviation markets, where upcoming regulations increasingly mandate academic qualifications alongside flight certifications.

The partnership brings together the academic excellence of GD Goenka University, a trusted name in higher education, with the unparalleled infrastructure of Redbird Flight Training, which operates multiple airfields and training facilities across the nation. It is also significant that the program is coordinated by the Center for Aerospace and Energy Studies, the same department that pioneered India’s first Pathway to Pilot Program for Aerospace Engineers in 2023.

Dr. Ugur Guven, Director- Center of Aerospace & Energy Studies, GD Goenka University, said, “This initiative marks a milestone in our vision to build a strong aerospace ecosystem at GD Goenka University. By combining our academic expertise with Redbird’s industry-leading flight training, we are ensuring that our students graduate with both theoretical depth and hands-on skills essential for today’s aerospace industry.”

Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka Group, added, “The collaboration with Redbird Flight Training is another step towards our commitment to offering world-class, industry-integrated education. The aerospace sector is poised for tremendous growth, and this course will provide our students with a clear edge in pursuing high-value careers in aviation and beyond.”

Capt. Karan Mann, President of Redbird Flight Training, said, “At Redbird, we believe in shaping aviation education that is future-ready and globally competitive. This partnership with GD Goenka University is a step towards nurturing a generation of professionals who will lead India’s aerospace growth story with competence and confidence.”

With this strategic partnership, GD Goenka University and Redbird Flight Training are set to redefine aerospace education in India, shaping the next generation of skilled aviation professionals.

Redevelopment Projects set to transform Mumbai’s Skyline by 2030

Mumbai 13 september 2025:Mumbai’s housing market is on the brink of a major transformation, as ongoing society redevelopment projects are expected to add over 44,277 new homes valued at INR 1,305 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by Knight Frank India.

The study reveals that since 2020, 910 housing societies across the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) limits have signed development agreements, unlocking nearly 327 acres of land for redevelopment. Despite this surge, the city has only begun to tap into its vast potential, with an estimated 1.6 lakh societies over 30 years old still eligible for redevelopment.

The Western Suburbs, stretching from Bandra to Borivali, account for the lion’s share of redevelopment activity with 32,354 units (73% of the total pipeline). This is followed by the Central Suburbs with 10,422 units, Central Mumbai with 1,085 units, and South Mumbai with 416 units. Hotspots such as Borivali, Andheri, and Bandra together contribute nearly 139 acres of redevelopment activity, underscoring their position as the city’s leading transformation corridors. Between 2020 and H1 2025, the Western Suburbs alone accounted for 633 out of 910 society deals, recording 70% of all agreements signed since 2020. Central Suburbs may add another 234 societies, pushing the suburban contribution to almost 96%.

Beyond housing supply, redevelopment also carries major fiscal benefits. The free sale component from society redevelopment is expected to generate approximately Rs 7,830 crore in stamp duty and another Rs 6,525 crore as GST over the next five years.

Data indicates that over 80% of redevelopment deals signed since 2020 involved societies with plot sizes below 0.49 acres—highlighting the dominance of small, compact projects. Yet, larger cluster projects are gradually gaining momentum, hinting at a shift in the city’s redevelopment model.

Welcoming the findings, industry leaders emphasized the economic and social importance of redevelopment:

Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “Redevelopment is the most vital force driving Mumbai’s real estate growth today. With limited greenfield land availability, society redevelopment not only provides safer, modern homes for existing residents but also fuels the city’s housing supply pipeline. The Knight Frank findings highlight how this opportunity, if supported by policy stability, faster approvals, and rational taxation, can be the foundation for Mumbai’s urban transformation. It is imperative that all stakeholders – government, developers, and housing societies – work in sync to ensure timely execution and affordability.”

Mr. Vikas Jain, CEO, Labdhi Lifestyle and President, NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen said, “Redevelopment is the future of Mumbai’s real estate, and the report captures its economic and social significance well. The younger generation of developers and professionals see this as an opportunity to infuse new ideas, technology, and customer-centric practices into legacy housing clusters. It is also a chance to address the city’s housing shortage in a sustainable way. The focus now should be on collaborative governance and faster project timelines, so that the benefits reach both residents and the broader economy in time.”

Mr. Navin Makhija, Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group said, “Society redevelopment is a win-win for all stakeholders – residents get modern homes with upgraded lifestyle amenities, developers gain access to scarce land parcels, and the state benefits through increased revenues while contributing to the central government’s ‘Housing for All’ initiative. Housing demand continues to remain robust, further fueling growth in the redevelopment sector. Customers also benefit by gaining access to multiple project options as redevelopment unlocks new housing opportunities in their preferred locations.”

A Spokesperson from Chandak Group added, “The sheer scale of society redevelopment in Mumbai points to the city’s unique growth story. With over 44,000 new homes expected by 2030, the transformation is unprecedented. Developers today carry the responsibility of balancing aspiration with execution. We believe redevelopment is not just about buildings but about creating thriving communities with better infrastructure, amenities, and quality of life. A stable policy framework will further accelerate this transition.”

Mr. Dhruman Shah, Promoter, Ariha Group said, “Society redevelopment is no longer just an alternative – it is the primary growth driver for Mumbai’s housing market. The numbers shared reaffirm the enormous potential of this segment. For developers, the opportunity lies in bringing efficiency, transparency, and trust into the process, ensuring that societies feel confident in handing over their most valuable asset. With strong demand, government revenues, and improved infrastructure, redevelopment will continue to be the backbone of Mumbai’s real estate growth story.”

With nearly 160,000 societies aged over 30 years and eligible for redevelopment, the sector’s potential is immense. While Knight Frank projects an optimistic outlook, developers caution that timely execution, transparent practices, and policy support will determine whether this transformation can be delivered at scale.

Day 2 of FSIE Fire & Security India Expo soars with key industry insights for a Surakshit Bharat

New Delhi, 12 September 2025: Day 2 of the FSIE Fire and Security India Expo held at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi witnessed stellar panel discussions on the role of technology for safety infrastructure, collaborative strategies and evolution of security in the fire and security industry in India.

A technical talk ‘Let’s talk smoke’ with esteemed speakers Mr. A V Parab – Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Mumbai Fire Brigade and Dr. D K Shami – Former Fire Advisor, Govt. of India and Advisor Fire Engineering, DLF rounded off well with the talk curated by Mr. Vinod Kapse – Founder, Kapse Consulting Engineers.

A panel discussion titled ‘Drone & Anti-Drone Technologies in Critical Infrastructure Protection’ had Brig. Ajoy Mukherjee, SM**, VSM (Retd.), Principal Advisor Shyam VSL; Lt. Col. Anup Amol Mahajan (Retd) – Business Development Head & Defence Advisor – Enhanasafe India Pvt. Ltd.; Cdr. Bheem Reddy – Vice President Cybersecurity Operations, C3i Hub; Cdr. Kartik Vig (Retd) Director – Security & Risk Consulting, Netrika Consulting India Pvt. Ltd; Wing Commander Dr. Manoj Kumar (Retd), Head of SWARM Drone Program, IAF (Former), Ex-Indian Air Force; Maj. Sadhna Singh – Consultant Niti Aayog as the key panellists in a very thoughtful panel discussion curated by Capt. Ashok Kutty – Head of Strategy, Training & Operational Excellence, Terrier Security Services as the key panellists.

‘Process Safety Incidents in HiGH-Hazard Industry’ was the topic of the second panel discussion of the day curated by Mr. Hirak Dutta – Expert Advisor Technical – Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board. Esteemed panellists Mr. Mukesh Mohan – Executive Director – IOCL and Mr. Sanjeev Raina – Executive Director, BPCL focussed especially on ‘Learning from major process safety incidents’ and ‘Building process safety competence’ respectively.

On the topic of ‘Fire Safety in Hospitals’ key panellists Mr. Neelesh Shinde – Group Chief Technical Officer & Head – Projects, Jupiter; and Dr. Vivek Desai – Founder and Managing Director, HOSMAC shared their valuable insights in a panel discussion curated by Mr. Manu Malhotra – Founder, IIDC Architects.

The eighth edition of the FSIE Fire & Security India Expo kicked off today in the capital with a three-day power-packed agenda between 11-13 September at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre. The conference brought the who’s who of Fire & Security industry from across India at one platform in very engaging keynote address and panel discussions by industry leaders and experts on innovative strategies to pre-empt industry hazards. The expo witnessed over 10000 industry-specific visitors with 169 participating brands from Fischer, Honda, Honeywell, Panasonic, Isuzu, Bristol, CP Plus and more showcasing their products.

Day 3 will witness additional esteemed panellists who will share their valuable thoughts on ‘Time for Security to Evolve – Future Wants More’; ‘Collaborative Strategies for Integrating Fire& Security Infrastructure in the New Smart Developments’; ‘Building Confidence Through Code – NBC and the Future of Fire Safety’.

The FSIE Fire & Security India Expo has Schneider Electric, Rockwool, KPT Pipes as key sponsors among others.

GETI to Launch PATH Program at Ed Leadership Roundtable, Empowering Grassroots Educators

Lucknow 13 September 2025 – The Global Education & Training Institute (GETI) will announce the launch of the PATH Movement at the upcoming Ed Leadership International Roundtable. PATH is a pioneering framework designed to transform Indian classrooms and empower teachers nationwide—particularly those in grassroots government schools. Hosted by GETI, the Roundtable will bring together teachers, school leaders, and education innovators for a three-day immersive experience, 15–17 September at the World Unity Convention Center, City Montessori School, LDA Colony. The 3-day event is expected to witness over 1000+ educators from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.

At the heart of this gathering is the launch of PATH, which stands for Purposeful Learning, Active Classrooms, Transformative Outcomes, and Holistic Growth. PATH is designed to help schools and teachers—especially in grassroots government schools—create student-led classrooms that foster confidence, critical thinking, and deeper learning. PATH uses an interdisciplinary approach to cover English, Math, Hindi, and other regional languages, for students from KG to Grade 8.

The series of Roundtable conferences will have discussions on key topics like Why PATH, Why Now; Literacy, The World’s Best Investment; Learning From Alternative Systems; Early Foundations and Lasting Gains; and more. The 3-day event will also include live classroom observations, hands-on training, and collaborative discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to learn directly from educators already implementing PATH. The event will also feature the launch of the Hi PATH App, which provides instant, topic-wise feedback and performance reports; thus enabling students, teachers, and parents to track progress and address gaps in real-time.

“This is not just a conference; it’s a movement,” said Dr. Sunita Gandhi, Founder of GETI. “By bringing together educators from across the country, the Ed Leadership International Roundtable will be a pivotal moment in reimagining teaching and learning at scale. Unlike traditional teacher-led instruction, PATH is student-driven. Children learn in pairs and small groups, building on what they already know. It reduces rote learning and increases engagement, retention, and real understanding.”

Dr. Sunita Gandhi, PhD Cambridge, is an educator, researcher, and innovator with over 30 years of experience in education reform. She is the founder of GETI and Dignity Education Vision International (DEVI), and the Chief Academic Advisor at City Montessori School, world’s largest school, based in Lucknow.

With participation from educators nationwide, the Roundtable reaffirms GETI’s mission to empower India’s teaching community with evidence-based, scalable practices aligned with NEP 2020 and national education reform goals.

GETI is a national hub for teacher training and school transformation, founded by Dr. Sunita Gandhi. It empowers educators through research-backed programs such as ALfA Pedagogy, where students learn by teaching each other, leading to rapid gains in foundational skills.

GETI’s reach spans thousands of schools, including City Montessori School, offering pre-service and in-service teacher training, leadership programs, and fellowships. Its work aligns with NEP 2020 and is supported by research from institutions like Harvard. GETI empowers students and teachers to take control of their learning journeys.