Increase Industry and manufacturing contribution to GDP our top priority: Hemant Sharma
Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Edition of the Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, organized by the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Council, successfully commenced today at a city hotel. This year’s conclave, themed “AI-Driven Manufacturing: Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology pioneers, and academia to discuss Odisha’s roadmap for becoming a future-ready manufacturing hub.
Additional Chief Secretary, Industry, Govt of Odisha, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted that Manufacturing currently contributes 36% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the combined contribution of industry and manufacturing stands at 53%. He emphasized that there is significant potential to further enhance this share, and this remains a top priority for the state government. “Our policies have been strategically designed to drive this growth, and we are witnessing a rapid inflow of investments. Many investment proposals have not only been received but have also been successfully grounded,” he said.
Reflecting on Odisha’s industrial transformation over the past few decades, Sharma noted the role of technological advancements in optimizing resource use. “For instance, the land required for establishing aluminium plants with double the production capacity has now been reduced to almost half, thanks to improved technology,” he explained. He further added that the state government is actively supporting industries with a steady supply of skilled manpower and comprehensive infrastructure to help them flourish.
Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha unveiled ASSOCHAM study paper in partnership with Primus Partners
The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM, who lauded the Government’s visionary approach and called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enable smart and sustainable manufacturing in Odisha.
“AI is no longer an emerging trend; it is now a defining catalyst of modern manufacturing. Odisha must now transition from being resource-rich to becoming data-rich and digitally intelligent,” said Mr. Mohanty.
The conclave also witnessed the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report, providing critical insights on AI adoption and manufacturing best practices.
Mr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India remarked, “India and the UK share a rich history of industrialisation and innovation. We now stand at the cusp of a new era, shaped by digital transformation, green technologies, resilient supply chains and the rising importance of critical minerals. With Odisha aspiring to become a major manufacturing hub, it naturally aligns as a strategic partner for the UK. Together, we can drive industrial innovation while upholding the principles of sustainability. Today, the UK is at the forefront of smart factory automation, advanced industrial engineering, and sustainable supply chain practices all underpinned by the latest advances in AI”.
Two key plenary sessions held. On Enabling a Competitive Manufacturing Ecosystem – Policy & Tech Integration session, Eminent speakers discussed how Odisha can leverage policy frameworks and cutting-edge technologies to build a future-ready manufacturing sector. Similarly, AI for Sustainable Manufacturing – Innovations & Best Practices session,
Industry experts explored how artificial intelligence can foster sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities across sectors. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to make Odisha a national leader in AI-powered, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing.
The event was attended by senior officials, industry stalwarts, technology leaders, international representatives. Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director – East & Northeast, ASSOCHAM proposed vote of thanks.
Other dignitaries spoke at the event were Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha, Shri. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Manufacturing Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Mining & Steel Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr Prashant Hota, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha CSR & Sustainability Council & Mr. Bharat Dureja, Senior Adviser, Primus Partners India.
JP Infra Unveils ‘Monsoon Fest 2025’…
JP Infra Unveils ‘Monsoon Fest 2025’ – An Exclusive Seasonal Privileges for homebuyers
Mumbai, 19th June 2025: JP Infra, one of Mumbai’s most trusted and leading real estate developers, has announced its innovative limited-period campaign “Monsoon Fest 2025”- offering a host of exclusive benefits across its landmark residential developments in Mira Road, Thane, and others.
The campaign brings together a thoughtfully crafted selection of privileges that elevate the homebuying experience. Every booking comes with an assured premium White Goods voucher from leading brands. To complement this, homebuyers can choose among one of three exclusive add-on benefits: a 50% waiver on stamp duty, a modular kitchen, or a fully furnished home—each designed to enhance both comfort and savings. The offers are available for a limited time, from 16th June to 31st July 2025 These offers are available for a limited period, from 16th June to 31st July 2025, and apply across JP Infra’s most sought-after residential developments, including new launches, under-construction, and ready-to-move-in projects.
Mr. Deepak Nair, Head – Marketing, JP Infra, said “At JP Infra, we don’t just build homes, but we create opportunities for families to begin a new chapter with confidence and comfort. The Monsoon Fest is an extension of that vision. With exclusive offers, a customer-first approach, and our proven track record of timely delivery, we aim to make the journey to homeownership both rewarding and reassuring.”
With a legacy of delivering ahead of time and a commitment towards crafting thoughtfully designed communities, JP Infra’s Monsoon Fest is more than a seasonal offering, it’s a gateway to a lifestyle defined by trust, timeliness, and transformation.
MGM Healthcare Performs Rare Skull Base Surgery on 1-Year-Old
Chennai, 19th June, 2025: MGM Healthcare successfully performed a Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak from a herniated brain inside nose with Skull Base Defect Reconstruction on a one-year-old child from Odisha. , marking a rare and complex intervention in pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery. This surgery was done using duragen, a collagen-based biomaterial, instead of a traditional autograft. The surgery was uneventful, the patient was discharged 48 hours post-surgery.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurs when there is a defect or tear in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, allowing the clear, cushioning fluid to escape from its normal pathways. When such a leak occurs at the skull base, it can lead to nasal discharge, recurrent infections, and breathing difficulties.The presence of congenital meningomyocele inside the nasal cavity proved to be the biggest surgical challenge . The condition is extremely rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 cases.
In this case, the child had been experiencing multiple episodes of brain fever, persistent CSF leakage and complete nasal blockage for nearly six months, due to a congenital skull base defect. This is a rare condition where the base of the skull does not fully develop during the growth period. If left untreated may lead to life-threatening complications due to the exposure of prolapsed meninges herniating into the nasal cavities from above. It was left undiagnosed and untreated till the pertinent investigations clinched the diagnosis. In the earlier visits to the hospitals, the baby was treated conservatively in the hope that mouth breathing would abate as the age progresses.Finally , a proper evaluation led to the diagnosis of this clinical entity.
The intra operative innovation using collagen based artificial dura eliminated the requirement for a secondary surgical site, thereby reducing surgical invasiveness, an important consideration in pediatric surgical care. In such an underweight child, especially , during the growth phase , it’s important to preserve the existing anatomy to the extent possible.
Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department, Institute of ENT, MGM Healthcare said, “Navigating through a narrow transnasal route in a one-year-old child with such a high-risk skull base defect is always a surgical challenge. This case reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention. Open surgical approaches in such cases can be highly morbid. However, by employing the endoscopic technique along with advanced biomaterials, we were able to minimize scarring, ensure faster recovery, and reduce the overall surgical burden on the child.”
Using advanced high-definition endoscopic imaging technology, Dr. Mohanty and his team successfully navigated the infant’s extremely narrow nasal passage to locate and repair the skull base defect with high precision.
This case also underscores the value of cadaveric dissection-based training and continual upskilling in endoscopic skull base approaches, which enhance surgical precision and enable safer, more effective treatment of rare and complex cases like this one.
Narayana Health Doctors Reattach Severed Foot in Rare Surgery
Bengaluru, 19th June, 2025: In a rare and complex surgical feat, doctors at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, have successfully reattached the foot of a 23-year-old woman, Pavithra, following a devastating road traffic accident (RTA) that resulted in a traumatic foot-level amputation.
The incident occurred on May 14th, when Pavithra was riding pillion with a family member on a two-wheeler and was involved in a collision that led to the complete severing of her foot. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, her family quickly retrieved and preserved the amputated limb in a clean, cool condition and rushed her to Narayana Health City within the critical golden window of six hours.
What followed was an intricate, high-stakes surgical procedure led by Dr. Ravi D R, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, supported by a specialised trauma and microsurgical team. The surgery, which lasted several hours, involved meticulous repair of crushed bone, arteries, veins, nerves, and tendons to restore the limb’s viability.
“Foot re-implantation surgeries are extremely rare, especially in cases involving severe crush injuries,” said Dr. Ravi. “Most such injuries are considered unfit for reattachment. However, quick-thinking action by the patient’s family, combined with our team’s preparedness, surgical precision, coordinated care, and overall medical excellence, made this extraordinary outcome possible.”
This case is medically significant not only due to the complexity and rarity of foot re-implantation but also because it demonstrates the level of coordinated trauma care that is available in select advanced centres. To the team’s knowledge, this is the first such successful foot re-implantation performed at their unit since 2018.
Pavithra is currently recovering well under close observation, with early signs of success and the initiation of physiotherapy for rehabilitation. Her case underscores the importance of public awareness in post-amputation first aid—prompt transport, proper preservation of the limb, and immediate medical intervention, which can make the difference between permanent disability and functional recovery.
India Real Estate Report FY 2025-26: Trends, Insights and Forecasts
New Delhi, June 2025: Grant Thornton Bharat , released its latest edition of India Real Estate Report FY 2025–26, highlighting continued momentum in India’s real estate sector across residential, commercial, and industrial verticals. The report reveals strong investor interest, emerging asset classes, and growing adoption of technology and sustainability practices.
Key Highlights:
– Residential Resurgence: Home sales across India’s top cities rose ~77% since FY 2019, with increasing preference for mid-to-premium homes. While affordable housing saw a slight dip in Q1 2025, overall inventory is reducing, indicating long-term demand stability.
– Commercial Real Estate on the Rise: Office leasing hit record levels in FY 2025, driven by demand from global capability centers, IT/ITeS, and flexible workspaces. Tier-2 cities are emerging as new hubs.
– Industrial & Warehousing Growth: The logistics and warehousing sector continues to expand, supported by ‘Make in India’, GST reforms, and the National Logistics Policy.
– Capital Flows & Deals: India recorded 99 real estate transactions worth USD 6.99 billion in FY 2024–25. Private equity led with USD 3.15 billion, while public markets raised nearly USD 3 billion through IPOs and QIPs.
– Technology & ESG Disruption: AI, blockchain, smart buildings, and green construction are reshaping how assets are developed and operated. Real estate tokenisation and SM-REITs are emerging as new investment vehicles.
The sector faces rising construction costs, regulatory delays, and the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences such as wellness-centric and integrated living. However, the report forecasts sustained growth in premium housing, commercial office spaces, logistics infrastructure, and alternative investments, driven by digital innovation, urban decentralisation, and investor appetite.
Developer Spotlight: Sobha Ltd.’s Bengaluru flagship, Sobha Dream Acres, is leading innovation in sustainable construction and efficient housing delivery, with plans to expand into Mumbai’s luxury market. “India’s real estate story is being rewritten—digitally, sustainably, and inclusively. The future is decentralized, tech-enabled, and investor-friendly,” said the Shabala Shinde, Partner and Real Estate Industry leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.