Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Appoints Neil James as General Manager
National, April 10, 2025 – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is delighted to welcome Neil James as its General Manager. With 18 years of hospitality experience, marked by robust leadership, operational expertise, and a keen focus on guest satisfaction, Neil is set to drive significant value for the hotel.
As the General Manager of Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Neil will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, driving strategic growth, and strengthening the property’s positioning in the market. His extensive knowledge in hospitality management, coupled with a passion for innovation and service excellence, will further enhance the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury stays, dining, and events.
Neil-James
Neil’s notable 18-year career showcases a remarkable trajectory, beginning as a Front Office Associate and culminating in roles like Director of Rooms. His extensive experience spans renowned brands such as Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, and Courtyard by Marriott, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Vadodara, he significantly elevated the hotel’s market standing and service quality. His contributions to the hospitality industry have garnered him significant recognition. He received the Hotel Bloggers Association’s 2024 ‘Best General Manager, Gujarat’ award, the prestigious Stephen G. Marriott Culture Award in 2018 for his positive workplace cultivation, and led his previous hotel to achieve the Platinum & Golden Circle Award for two consecutive years, showcasing his dedication to exceptional service.
On his appointment, Neil said, “Stepping into this role at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is an honor. I’m excited to join this exceptional team and contribute to the hotel’s continued success. My vision centers on elevating guest experiences through innovative approaches, ensuring seamless operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence. I believe in empowering our team to deliver unparalleled service, creating truly memorable stays for every guest. Together, we will build upon the hotel’s strong foundation, embracing new opportunities and solidifying its position as a leading destination in the region.”
Beyond the world of hospitality, Neil finds balance and rejuvenation through his passions for reading and maintaining an active fitness regime.
Shivani Gosain Reveals IPS Dreams: “Always Wanted to Be Like Kiran Bedi”
Shivani Shared, “If I wasn’t an actor, I would definitely be in the police probably an IPS officer. I’m from Delhi and since childhood, I’ve admired Kiran Bedi a lot. I was a total tomboy. I’ve literally beaten up boys who misbehaved or tried to tease someone. I learned judo, karate, and other forms of self-defense. I even used to ride bullets and all kinds of bikes before a family accident made me stop.”The Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri Actress further added, “I always wanted to be someone like Kiran Bedi. I wasn’t into bullying, but I wanted to be that strong, fearless woman who stands up for what’s right. I couldn’t tolerate anyone doing wrong, especially teasing girls—I would seriously take action against them. So yes, if I wasn’t in acting, I would’ve surely been in the police force, as a bold and brave officer fighting for justice.”
Ex-JK Tyre CMO Amit Gujral Launches Alumvista to Reinvent Interiors

“Is your home a true reflection of you?” asks Mr. Amit Gujral, Founder & Managing Partner at Alumvista. “Alumvista is not just about aluminium profiles; it is about creating a lifestyle. Our goal is to introduce home and office owners to a world where minimalism meets functionality—offering them slim, sleek, durable, and aesthetically superior solutions. With this launch, we aim to set a new standard in Indian interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to modern living and working spaces.”
Dr. Taylor Elizabeth Launches ‘Success Decoded’ Podcast Featuring Global Luminaries
Mumbai, April 10, 2025: The noise of hustle culture and polished personas, Success Decoded explores the heart of what it truly means to succeed.
Hosted by internationally celebrated Emotional Intelligence and Etiquette Coach, Dr. Taylor Elizabeth, this podcast unpacks the inner world behind outer achievements. Each episode is a raw, reflective conversation with trailblazers who have redefined success on their own terms—through intention, growth, and grace.
Dr. Taylor Elizabeth
Far from being a list of accolades, Success Decoded is an invitation to explore the quiet, often unseen inner work that drives outward excellence. It’s about who we become—not just what we achieve.
With a global career spanning 20+ countries across 5 continents, Dr. Taylor Elizabeth brings a rare and rich perspective to the dialogue around personal transformation, emotional intelligence, and legacy-building. Her unique ability to blend emotional depth with professional insight makes every conversation a masterclass in what it truly means to lead with both purpose and poise.
Speaking about the podcast, Dr. Taylor Elizabeth shares:
“One of my favorite Rumi quotes is, ‘The wound is the place where the light enters you.’ I’ve found that the most powerful growth often begins in discomfort—whether it’s self-doubt, heartbreak, or fear of change. Every guest on this show has dared to meet that discomfort, and it changed them. These are the stories that need to be told.”
Success Decoded isn’t about step-by-step formulas or quick wins—it’s about the emotional muscle, mental shifts, and soulful awareness that shape remarkable lives and careers. The podcast mirrors Dr. Taylor Elizabeth’s signature blend of empathy, elegance, and intelligence, and offers listeners a chance to see success through a more human, more holistic lens.
Each episode offers a front-row seat to candid conversations with high achievers who embody humility, depth, and self-mastery. These are individuals whose legacies are not just defined by titles or achievements, but by how they show up in the world—with courage, compassion, and conscious leadership.
“This podcast is for the curious, the ambitious, and the heart-centered,” says Dr. Taylor Elizabeth. “It’s for anyone who has ever wondered if they’re enough, who’s faced imposter syndrome or felt unsure of where they belong. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about learning, evolving, and staying true to who you are.”
Season One features a compelling line-up of luminaries including Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a modern royal with a deep sense of purpose; Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, one of India’s most respected IVF specialists; and Nikhita Tandon, the couture fashion designer known for redefining elegance. And with Season Two already in development, Success Decoded promises to continue unveiling the stories behind extraordinary lives.
UiPath Partners with Google Cloud to Revolutionize Medical Processes with AI
- Reducing the time and effort required for manual summarization thereby increasing cost savings, lessening the need for rework, and improving revenue opportunities
- Significantly decreasing time spent on tasks such as patient referral intake, order intake, and utilization management reviews, saving up to 40 minutes per referral and reducing overall prior authorization turn-around time by up to 50%
- Ensuring medical summaries are consistent and high quality with standardized sections and traceable data, improving the accuracy of clinical decisions and reducing errors
- Providing a structured and organized summary of medical records, enabling clinicians and coordinators to make informed decisions more quickly and confidently
“Chief Medical Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and CIOs at healthcare organizations are consistently under pressure to reduce costs and improve quality of care while dealing with people resource constraints. Currently, clinical and non-clinical staff must summarize large volumes of medical records, yet medical records lack standard formats and summaries meaning they vary in quality and standardization,” said Mark Geene, senior vice president of AI Products at UiPath. “By automating and streamlining summary creation with Google Cloud, UiPath enables healthcare organizations to save clinical review time and improve accuracy, generating significant annual value in time savings and cost avoidance.”“UiPath is delivering on its strategy to provide vertical AI solutions that are built to address industry-specific needs,” said Shweta Maniar, global director for Healthcare & Life Science Strategy & Solutions at Google Cloud. “Powered by Vertex AI and Gemini models, UiPath’s new medical summarization agent will significantly improve efficiency and streamline business processes for healthcare organizations.”
- Clinician-level summaries organized in easy-to-understand segments with traceable citations. Records are displayed in an organized format, enabling quick location and review of relevant information
- State-of-the-art retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for processing unstructured medical record data, projected to deliver faster chart processing from intake to summary
- Reduction of administrative tasks for both clinical and non-clinical professionals
India Defies Global Office Rental Slump; Office Rentals Continue Upward Trend – Vestian
New Delhi, 10th April 2025: While global office rental markets continue to face headwinds, India’s office sector is bucking the trend with sustained growth in office leasing and rentals. According to research by Vestian, 2024 reported the highest ever leasing of 70.7 Mn sq ft, registering an annual increase of 16%. Sub-dollar rentals across India’s top seven cities fuelled this momentum, making the country a key outlier in an otherwise subdued global landscape.
In stark contrast to major global cities like New York, Seattle, Boston, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, which have witnessed rental declines over the last five years, India witnessed a steady upward movement. Notably, while some Western markets such as London and Miami posted increases of 31% and 53% respectively, the broader global sentiment reflects a slowdown due to rising vacancy rates and rapidly changing workplace strategies.
India’s office market is expected to maintain this growth pattern in the future, majorly driven by strong leasing momentum, favorable demographics, and strategic infrastructure development.
Shrinivas Rao, CEO of Vestian, affirms that the decline in office space rents in the global market is influenced by the emergence of technologies like generative AI, as well as changes in office space utilization strategies. These factors contribute to the uncertainties faced by the office sector. The combination of reduced demand, along with businesses downsizing or relocating, has led to higher vacancy rates globally, which in turn puts downward pressure on rents.
Average Office Rentals (USD/sq ft/month) | ||||||||
City | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | % Change in 2023 vs 2024 | |
% Changes in the last 5 years | ||||||||
New York | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.5 | -5.1% | -1.3% |
London | 6.5 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 7.9 | 8.6 | 31.0% | 8.6% |
Miami | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 53.3% | 7.3% |
Seattle | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | -5.5% | -1.9% |
Boston | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.6 | 5.4 | 5.5 | -2.7% | 1.2% |
Hong Kong | 9.1 | 7.3 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 6.2 | 5.9 | -35.7% | -6.0% |
Singapore | 6.7 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 4.3% | 0.5% |
Shanghai | 3.4 | 3.0 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 2.8 | -18.2% | -6.8% |
Mumbai | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 6.2% | 6.7% |
Delhi | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 9.8% | 8.2% |
Bengaluru | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 12.4% | 4.7% |
Pune | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 11.8% | 4.5% |
Chennai | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 6.9% | 7.7% |
Hyderabad | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 13.9% | 4.4% |
Kolkata | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | -2.1% | 3.8% |
Note: INR 86 = USD 1
Source: Compiled by Vestian Research
Furthermore, in 2024 alone, rental rates in Indian cities surged between 3.8% and 8.2% compared to the previous year. India remains resilient, driven by strong demand from the IT sector and Global Capability Centers (GCCs). While global cities continue to see demand for premium office spaces, India’s affordability and expansion-driven leasing set it apart. As a cost-effective hub, India is poised for steady growth.
Shrinivas Rao, CEO of Vestian, stated that the influx of new businesses and company expansions has led to significant demand for office spaces in India. Global firms are aggressively seeking office space in India due to robust economic growth compared to other major economies of the world, rich demographic dividend, large consumer base, rapid urbanization, and the easy availability of skilled workforce at competitive rates, particularly in technology and finance. This demand is driving the need for high-quality office spaces.
Prime commercial hubs like Mumbai’s BKC and Delhi’s central business district (Connaught Place and adjoining area) command high rentals, with average rent reaching USD 3-4 per sq ft a month. Strong economic activities, upcoming mega infrastructure projects, and the expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) continue to drive rental appreciation across the major cities of India.
Agrifields DMCC to Expand into Korea, Launch New Fertilizers in India by FY’26
Agrifields DMCC will expand into Korea, introduce new age water soluble fertilizer products in India by end FY’26: Amit Gupta
Mumbai/Bangalore, India, Apr 11, 2025: Agrifields DMCC, a leading fertilizer and phosphate manufacturing company headquartered in Dubai, today announced its plans to expand into newer markets by the end of FY’26.
Agrifields DMCC plans to expand its footprint into Korea which is driven by the growing demand for agricultural products and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices. The company aims to leverage its expertise and experience in the agricultural industry to tap into the new market and increase its global footprint.
Speaking in detail about the plans, Mr Amit Gupta, Founder & CEO of Agrifields DMCC said, “The expansion into Korea is a strategic move for Agrifields DMCC, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our goal is to become an important player in the global agricultural industry, and we believe that this expansion will help us achieve that goal.”
“We are confident that our expertise and experience in the agricultural industry will enable us to succeed in new markets. We look forward to exploring new opportunities and building strong relationships with our partners and customers,” added Mr. Gupta.
As part of its expansion plans, Agrifields DMCC will also introduce new age water soluble fertilizer products to the Indian market. These products are designed to promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health, harnessing the organic bio chain.
“The new fertilizer products we are introducing in India are a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We believe these products will play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing food security in the region and growth in yields, which will directly improve farmer netbacks,” said Mr. Gupta.
Arete Hernia League Concludes with Focus on Advanced Repair Techniques
Hyderabad, April 10, 2025 – Arete Hospitals successfully concluded the highly anticipated Arete Hernia League, an advanced surgical masterclass focused on state-of-the-art hernia repair techniques. Held on April 5, 2025, the event brought together over 70 leading surgeons, trainees, and medical experts for an immersive, hands-on learning experience.
One of the key highlights of the event was the live surgical demonstrations, streamed directly from the operating theatre to the audience. This real-time approach enabled participants to observe complex hernia procedures as they unfolded, offering a rare window into advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.
The masterclass was led by Dr. Dinakar Reddy A, Head of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at Arete Hospitals, along with a panel of distinguished surgeons. The sessions covered a wide spectrum of hernia repair methods, including inguinal and ventral hernias, laparoscopic TEP/TAPP, and endosuturing techniques.
Adding a dynamic twist, the sessions were formatted with a sports-themed structure, featuring segments like Powerplay 1.0, Strategic Timeout, and Expert Dugout, keeping participants engaged while promoting high-level learning.
“Hernia surgery continues to evolve, and staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial for ensuring optimal patient outcomes,” said Dr. Dinakar Reddy. “Through this masterclass, we aimed to provide a platform for surgeons to refine their skills and share knowledge with leading experts in the field.”
The event also hosted an insightful panel discussion and keynote speech on complex hernia cases, moderated by experts Dr. Phani Mahesh Reddy, Dr. Sam Vivek Gudisay, Dr. Anuroop Thota, and Dr. Radha Krishna, who provided evidence-based insights into current best practices and evolving surgical trends.
A hands-on training session in endosuturing further enhanced the practical component of the masterclass, allowing participants to directly apply the techniques observed during the live surgeries.
“The Arete Hernia League stands out for its emphasis on technique, teamwork, and teaching,” said Dr. Satish Reddy Yeddula, Senior Consultant, General Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology. “It offered an excellent platform to mentor emerging surgeons while also refining our own approaches.”
“Being part of this initiative was incredibly rewarding,” added Dr. Sharvani Duba, Consultant, General Surgery, Laser, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery. “We need more collaborative platforms like this, where real-time decisions and surgical styles can be learned and shared.”
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, the success of the Arete Hernia League marks a significant step toward building a robust ecosystem of surgical education. Arete Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to advancing medical excellence and innovation, ensuring surgeons are equipped with the latest skills to improve patient outcomes.
The success of this initiative has laid a strong foundation for future surgical masterclasses, as Arete Hospitals continues its mission to bridge the gap between medical theory and advanced clinical practice.
Zing’s Udaan Makes a Strong Comeback, Soaring Higher Than Ever!
Speaking about the initiative, Mr.Pankaj Balhara, Business Head at Zing, said: “The overwhelming response to our first edition of Udaan was a testament to the idea that we believed in and we couldn’t be happier with how this second edition has also turned out. The enthusiasm from both the students and the speakers was incredible. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights created a truly inspiring atmosphere where everyone walked away having learned something valuable. At Zing, we believe in the power of storytelling, and Udaan is our way of ensuring that the stories of real-life heroes reach the youth, motivating them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.”
- Raunak Damle – A corporate strategist at Tata Capital Housing Finance Ltd., Raunak is an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director and works on strategic initiatives across finance and innovation. A TEDx speaker, an International Gold Medalist in Rope Skipping, National silver medallist in squash, he shared how discipline, resilience, and adaptability helped him become a sports champion and the factors that helped him make a switch into the corporate world. His story motivated the students to push their limits and embrace diverse passions.
- Yash Parashar – Known as “The Man with a Thousand Families,” Yash is dedicated to providing shelter, care, and dignity to abandoned elderly citizens. His moving speech resonated deeply with the audience as he recounted the impact of his initiative, showing how one person’s kindness can create ripples of change. His journey inspired students to look beyond themselves and contribute to society with compassion and action.
- Shriya Lohia – India’s youngest female Formula 4 racer, Shriya has been breaking gender barriers in motorsports from a young age. A fierce competitor on the track, she shared the challenges she faced in a male-dominated sport and how determination and fearlessness helped her race toward success. Her journey struck a chord with young dreamers, proving that talent and perseverance can break any stereotype.
- Komal Panda – The James Dyson Award 2024 (India) winner, Komal is a young innovator whose work in healthcare technology and sustainability is revolutionizing the way we approach medical challenges. She spoke about the process behind her award-winning invention and how technology, innovation, and a problem-solving mindset can create meaningful social change. Her story left the students inspired to explore unconventional paths and turn ideas into impact.
GRT Hotels & Resorts Wins Prestigious Travel Award
Chennai, April 2025: GRT Hotels & Resorts has been awarded the “Best Emerging Hotel Chain – India” at the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards 2025 held at ITB Berlin. This recognition highlights the brand’s exceptional growth, innovative offerings, and unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence across South India.
In addition to this esteemed accolade, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, was honored with the “Best Professional Hospitality Growth – India” award. This award acknowledges his visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the Indian hospitality industry, which have significantly propelled the brand’s expansion and success.
Mr. T. Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of GRT Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “It is truly an honor to receive these awards on a global platform like ITB Berlin. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at GRT Hotels & Resorts. We remain committed to delivering unparalleled experiences that reflect our brand’s promise of Excellence, Innovation and ‘The Promise of More’.”
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts said, “Our journey to ITB Berlin was driven by a vision—to showcase the essence of GRT Hotels & Resorts on a global platform. As we stepped into this prestigious event, we carried with us a legacy of blending tradition with innovation, sustainability with luxury, and hospitality with heart. Amidst the world’s most influential voices in travel and tourism, it was a moment of pride and inspiration to be recognized on this platform. This achievement is not just ours alone—it belongs to every member of the GRT family, every guest who has trusted us, and every partner who has supported our journey.”
With a diverse portfolio of 22 properties across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, and plans for further expansion, GRT Hotels & Resorts continues to set new benchmarks in the hospitality industry.