February, 19th, Mandi;Dr. Kala Venkata Uday, a pioneering geotechnical engineer and associate professor at IIT Mandi, received the prestigious Disaster Preparedness Award at the WCDM-DRR Awards Ceremony 2024. The event, held at the Constitution Club of India, celebrated trailblazers in disaster risk reduction and resilience.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, as the Chief Guest, and Justice Shri M.M. Kumar, Former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Guest of Honor. Shri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, also attended, adding to the occasion’s grandeur.

Dr. Uday was recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to landslide disaster risk reduction, nature-based mitigation solutions, and innovations in bio-geotechnics. With over 15 years of experience, including spearheading IIT Mandi’s pioneering initiatives in landslide monitoring and early warning systems, Dr. Uday’s research has transformed disaster management practices, particularly in the Himalayan region.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Uday highlighted the collective effort of his team and the unwavering support of IIT Mandi, stating, “This award is a testament to our commitment to building disaster-resilient communities. It motivates us to further our mission of saving lives and safeguarding infrastructure.”

The WCDM-DRR Awards, organized by the Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society (DMICS), spotlight leaders in disaster resilience. This year’s event featured policymakers, scientists, and industry experts, fostering dialogue on innovative solutions for disaster management.

Dr. Uday’s achievements underscore the critical role of academia in addressing real-world challenges. His innovative solutions, including IoT-based early warning systems and sustainable construction practices, continue to inspire and empower communities to mitigate disaster risks effectively.

Addressing the conference, Shri V Suresh, Director (Commercial), NMDC Ltd. remarked, “India’s mining sector is the backbone of economic progress and will be pivotal in achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. Sustainable mining, technological innovation, skill development, policy reforms, and global partnerships will define the future of the industry. Our collective efforts will drive a self-reliant and environmentally responsible mining sector.”

Addressing the conference, Shri N. Balram, Chairman & Managing Director, of SCCL, remarked, “India’s mining industry must evolve with innovation and sustainable policies to support national progress. Strengthening domestic mining capabilities is crucial to reducing dependency on imports and fostering economic resilience.”

Shri P.K. Satpathy, Former Director (Production), NMDC Ltd., stated, “The role of mining in ensuring India’s industrial and infrastructure growth cannot be overstated. By integrating advanced technology and responsible resource practices, we can unlock new opportunities in the critical mining sector as well.”

Shri A.K. Shukla, Former CMD, HCL, added, “Future-ready mining involves not only technological enhancements but also a strong focus on environmental responsibility and social commitment. We must work towards achieving global benchmarks in sustainability.”

Shri B. Surender Mohan, Former CMD, NLC India Ltd. Addressed the gathering and congratulated MEAI for taking the initiative to organize the National Seminar with a very relevant topic and a very right time.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognizing the contributions of key professionals in the mining sector, acknowledging their role in driving innovation and sustainable practices. On the 2nd day of the event, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter honored Late S. K. Verma, Former Head of Project of DIOM Complex of NMDC Ltd.; Shri P. K. Satpathy, Former Director (Production) of NMDC; Shri A. K. Shukla, Former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) Shri B. Ram Mohan, Former Regional Controller of Mines, Bangalore Region, Indian Bureau of Mines; Shri V Balakoti Reddy, Director BGR Mining & Infra Limited; for their invaluable contributions to the mining industry.

Addressing the gathering on the first day of the event, Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC Ltd., emphasized, “The mining industry remains the backbone of national progress, playing a pivotal role in economic development. The Hyderabad Chapter’s efforts in bringing together industry stalwarts for knowledge exchange are commendable. At NMDC, we are committed to expanding mining capacity while ensuring eco-friendly and sustainable operations. Encouraging young talent to join the mining sector is crucial for India’s future growth.”

Dr S K Sinha, Head of Mine Planning & Chief of ISO NMDC Ltd. presented the summary report of the National Seminar and a few key takeaways of the National Seminar for Mining in India’s Future: –

1. Sustainable Mining Practices
One of the most pressing concerns in the mining sector today is sustainability. As we extract valuable minerals from the earth, we must be equally mindful of the environmental impact. The future of mining must be rooted in practices that promote ecological balance and minimize degradation. Implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, will help us improve efficiency while reducing waste and energy consumption. We must also prioritize the reclamation and rehabilitation of mined lands and ensure that water and air quality standards are met.

2. Technological Innovation and Research
As India strives to become a global leader in mining, we must focus on innovation. The mining sector in India must embrace modern technologies like automation, AI, machine learning, and robotics to improve productivity and safety in mining operations. With advancements in exploration techniques, we can unlock untapped mineral reserves, including rare earth elements, which are critical for green technologies and electronic goods. By investing in research and development, we can introduce innovative methods to extract minerals more efficiently and with less environmental impact.

3. Skilled Workforce Development
No sector can thrive without skilled human capital. As we look toward a Bikshit Bharat, we need to invest in skill development and training programs for our mining workforce. This involves equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills required to manage sophisticated mining operations and apply the latest technologies. India must establish world-class training institutes and collaborate with international players to ensure that the workforce is not only job-ready but also future-ready.

4. Policy Reforms and Regulatory Framework

A clear and supportive policy environment is essential for fostering growth in the mining sector. The National Mineral Policy, which aims to address regulatory challenges and encourage responsible mining, is an important step forward. However, further reforms are needed to simplify the licensing process, increase transparency, and ensure fair distribution of mineral resources. A stable and transparent regulatory framework will provide greater investor confidence and promote private sector participation in the mining industry. Additionally, we must ensure that mining activities benefit local communities, with special attention to land rights, environmental safeguards, and corporate social responsibility.

5. Global Partnerships and Trade
As we progress towards 2047, India’s mining sector must strengthen its global partnerships. The world is becoming more interdependent, and our mineral resources will continue to be in high demand for industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and infrastructure. By fostering international collaborations, India can enhance its access to global markets, develop strategic mineral reserves, and attract foreign investment into the mining sector. Our trade relations must evolve to make India a key supplier of not only minerals but also mining expertise and technology.

Minerals are not just raw materials; they are the building blocks of our future economy. Whether it’s the steel industry, which powers infrastructure development, the energy sector, which is driving the transition to renewable energy, or the technology industry, which depends on rare earth minerals, mining has a direct link to every aspect of modern life. For Bikshit Bharat, we must ensure that our mining sector contributes to the nation’s development in a balanced and sustainable manner. By focusing on the areas mentioned above, we will be able to fuel economic growth, create jobs, ensure energy security, and promote a cleaner, greener future.

India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26, further underscores the importance of sustainable mining. The minerals needed for clean energy technologies—such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel for batteries, or copper and aluminum for electrical infrastructure—must be sourced responsibly to support our green goals.

The discussions and insights gathered during the conference highlighted the importance of sustainable mining practices, technological innovation, workforce development, policy reforms, and global collaborations. Responsible resource management and the adoption of AI-driven technologies emerged as essential factors for modernizing the mining industry. Emphasis was placed on skill development to prepare the workforce for future challenges. Regulatory simplifications and transparent policies were recognized as key enablers for growth. Strengthening international partnerships will position India as a global leader in the mining sector. With a collective commitment from industry leaders and policymakers, the conference set the roadmap for achieving a resilient, self-sufficient, and sustainable mining industry on the line of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In conclusion, the mining sector in India is at the crossroads of tremendous opportunity. As we move towards Bikshit Bharat 2047, we must harness our mineral wealth in a way that benefits the nation, the environment, and future generations. This seminar has provided us with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I am confident that with the collective effort of the government, industry leaders, and citizens, we will be able to achieve the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant, and sustainable India.

Let us take inspiration from the National Seminar and work together, hand in hand, to unlock the full potential of India’s mining sector and pave the way for a brighter, greener, and more prosperous future.

Shriram Life Insurance co-sponsored the Hyderabad Runners Marathon held at the University of Hyderabad on 16th Feb, emphasizing the importance of health and financial security. The company, known for its commitment to safeguarding lives, extended its mission beyond financial protection by promoting fitness and well-being. The event saw enthusiastic participation of Shriram Employees reflecting dedication to fostering a healthier and more secure future for all.

19th February 2025:

The objective of the study was to analyse agriculture and factors impacting agriculture in India by applying the technique of trend analysis, correlation and regression.

The highlights of the Study are as follows:

1. Robust growth of India’s agriculture and allied sector

2. India’s agriculture sector has transformed, evolving from a food-scarce nation to a food-surplus powerhouse

3. India’s overall export performance remains robust, highlighting the sector’s resilience and its significant role in the global agricultural trade landscape

4. For the year 2024-25, PHDCCI projects foodgrain production grow by 2%, to about 3357 lakh tonnes

5. PHDCCI projections indicate a significant expansion in agricultural and processed food products exports, with exports reaching to USD 125 billion by FY2030, USD 250 billion by FY2035, USD 450 billion by FY2040, and USD 700 billion by FY2047

6. PHDCCI projects that India’s food processing sector is expected to reach USD 700 billion by FY 2030, USD 1100 billion by FY2035, USD 1500 billion by FY 2040 and USD 1900 billion by FY 2040 and USD 2150 billion by 2047

7. While some states excel in agricultural performance, their overall economic growth remains modest. This highlights an opportunity to better leverage agricultural success to drive broader economic development. By strengthening linkages between agriculture and other sectors, these states can unlock new avenues for growth, fostering more inclusive and balanced economic growth

8. Overall, the regression analysis suggests that food grain production in India is significantly influenced by factors such as electricity availability, warehousing capacity, and gross irrigated area

9. Rainfall does not appear to have a statistically significant impact, which contrasts with the traditional view of India’s heavy reliance on monsoon for agriculture. They have a moderate degree of association

Mumbai, India, 19 February 2025: Colliers’ Q4 2024 APAC Cap Rates report found consumer spending surged during the Q4 festive season, benefiting the retail sector in various markets including Auckland, China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Bengaluru.

In Bengaluru, the commercial supply was well behind uptake resulting in lower vacancy while Mumbai’s office supply has increased sixfold year-on-year but was still below the uptake in 2024 resulting in a strong market.

In Bengaluru, along the main business corridors rental and capital rates for Grade A commercial offices witnessed significant upward movement. Outer Ring Road (ORR), North Bengaluru, and Whitfield saw a higher volume of Grade A floorplate transactions due to availability and specifications resulting in range-bound cap rates between 8.0% – 8.5%.

The commercial uptake in Mumbai has witnessed a strong YoY improvement in 2024, with demand growth in the last quarter being the highest during the year. However, the increased supply kept the rental increases in check except for certain micro-markets as more options became available.

“Further, Bengaluru has witnessed improved transaction volumes in organized retail, with rising capital values in high street areas attributed to increased consumer activity during the festival season, leading to higher revenue shares. In Mumbai, industrial transaction volume has been slightly lower on a YoY basis. However, the supply has increased in the market by 15% in Mumbai. Based on this, cap rates have been stable in Q4 2024. CPI inflation jumped significantly to 5.22% in December 2024, with the preceding 3-month average at 5.63%. This increase in inflation is attributed to the significant growth in urban inflation from Q3 2024.” says Ajay Sharma, Managing Director, Valuation Services, Colliers India.

As per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Knowledge creation and research are critical to growing and sustaining a large and vibrant economy, uplifting society, and continuously inspiring a nation to achieve even greater heights. Research is needed to tackle the challenges of climate change, population dynamics, and management, expanding the digital marketplace, and the rise of AI/ML. High-quality interdisciplinary research is the need of the hour that must be done in India and simply cannot be imported or adapted if India is to become a leader.

MDI Gurgaon is known for its excellence in research with several notable alumni serving the industry and academia in this spirit. Scholars are working in the areas of Diversity & Inclusion, Industry 5.0, and Sustainability to develop new theoretical frameworks that can be adopted by practice to come out with new solutions. India is also facing a shortage of qualified faculty members in its top universities and management institutions. A report from the HRD Ministry revealed a large number of vacant faculty positions in IITs, IIMs, and other government-funded institutes. Meanwhile, 40% of faculty positions are vacant in-state public universities.

While a strong academic foundation is crucial, a PhD is often the defining factor in securing a faculty position. NEP 2020 has enabled such guidelines to encourage bold experiments that will help accelerate India’s STEM journey. UGC now encourages undergraduates to take up a PhD in any area of their choice, irrespective of their UG degree.

While a PhD is often associated with academia, its value, particularly in management research, extends far beyond university walls.

A PhD isn’t simply a ticket to becoming a professor; it opens doors to a wealth of opportunities. Think of prestigious consulting firms, influential multinational corporations, cutting-edge research organizations, and impactful government advisory roles. Why? Because a PhD in management equips you with highly developed problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills – skills that are incredibly sought after across diverse industries.

But the benefits go even deeper. A management PhD provides the unparalleled opportunity to drive innovation in business practices, contribute meaningfully to sustainable business, and play a critical role in shaping public policy and global business strategies. It’s about becoming a leader in your field, impacting real-world change, and pushing the boundaries of management knowledge. In short, a management PhD isn’t just a degree; it’s a powerful platform for making a real difference.