Category: Awards & Recognition

  • Tata Asset Management Unveils Innovative Alpha-Based Passive Investment Strategy on Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index


    Anand Vardarajan, Chief Business Officer, Tata Asset Management

    MUMBAI: Tata Asset Management Company has announced the launch of the Tata Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index Fund that aims to track the performance of the top 30 companies with high alpha within the Nifty200 Index. The alpha factor-based passive investing strategy seeks to benefit from continued trends in the market. It adjusts to changing market conditions and increases the coverage and weightage of outperforming sectors/stocks and underweights underperforming sectors/stocks.

    The Index’s methodology measures excess return generated by the portfolio relative to its benchmark index Nifty200 after adjusting for risk and volatility. Based on the alpha factor, the fund identifies and includes stocks that generate returns above the broad market return and risk-free return, giving more importance to stocks that generate high excess returns per unit of risk. As a result, Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index has been able to outperform market cap-weighted indices like Nifty200 during market upturns. However, it should be noted that Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index may underperform vis-à-vis Nifty200 during market downturns.

    At the launch of the index fund, Anand Vardarajan, Chief Business Officer, Tata Asset Management, said, “This strategy aims to capture extra returns over what Nifty200 index could provide by selecting the top 30 stocks which can deliver alpha.  This is yet another differentiated offering from our side to build our product portfolio. We believe these could add value to clients when it comes to constructing and diversifying their investment portfolios. ”

    While sector exposure will change to reflect the outperforming sectors, the index will maintain a stock cap of 5% which makes the index diversified across sectors and stocks.

    Index Methodology:

    The Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index methodology measures excess investment return relative to the Benchmark index Nifty200 using 1-year trailing price. The top 30 stocks with the highest Jensen’s Alpha are chosen, allocating more weight to stocks that generate high Alpha per unit of risk, i.e., volatility. Our Tata Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index Fund replicates this index.

    Index is re-balanced on a quarterly basis using data ending last trading day of February, May, August, and November. The stocks should have a minimum listing history of 1 year as on the cut-off date and should be available for trading in derivative segment (F&O) as on the effective date.

    Enclosed below are the details about the Tata Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index Fund:

    Enclosed below are the details about the Tata Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index Fund:

    Scheme NameTata Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index FundNFO Period19th August, 2024 to 2nd September, 2024Scheme re-opens on or before11th September, 2024Investment ObjectiveThe investment objective of the scheme is to provide returns, before expenses, that commensurate with the performance of Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index (TRI), subject to tracking error. There is no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved. The scheme does not assure or guarantee any returns.Type of SchemeAn open-ended scheme replicating / tracking Nifty200 Alpha 30 Index (TRI).Fund ManagerKapil MenonBenchmarkNifty200 Alpha 30 Index (TRI)Min. Application Amount (During NFO)Rs. 5,000/- and in multiple of Re.1/- thereafterLoad StructureEntry Load: Not Applicable (Pursuant to provision no. 10.4.1.a of SEBI Master Circular on Mutual Fund dated May 19, 2023, no entry load will be charged by the Scheme to the investor)Exit Load: 0.25 % of the applicable NAV, if redeemed on or before 15 days from the date of allotment.Exit load (if any) charged to the unit holders by the Mutual Fund on redemption (including switch-out) of units shall be credited to the scheme net of Goods & Services Tax. Goods & Services Tax on exit load, if any, shall be paid out of the exit load proceeds.

  • Honeywell Launches Inncom Direct: A Game Changer for Mid-Market Hotels Aiming to Cut Carbon Emissions

    An intuitive energy management system helps hotels monitor energy consumption across properties and automate energy efficiency

    DELHI: Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced the launch of INNCOM Direct, an easy-to-install energy management system that uses automation to help improve energy efficiency in mid-market hotel properties. The launch of INNCOM Direct supports Honeywell’s alignment of its business around three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition.   

    With more than 30% of U.S. hotel rooms typically vacant at any time, INNCOM Direct enables a hotel to manage energy-intensive HVAC systems more efficiently during periods when guestrooms are vacant. 

    “As hotels become more carbon-conscious, they are taking meaningful steps to show they care about their impact on the environment,” said Billal Hammoud, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Building Automation. “Until now, mid-market hotels faced fewer options when it came to better managing their HVAC systems with automation. Now, INNCOM Direct is leveling the playing field with an affordable, cloud-based energy management system.”  

    The INNCOM technology was previously only available to high-end hotel operators. Now, this combination of hardware, software, and cloud monitoring provides mid-market, also known as limited-service, hotels with quick setup and portfolio analytics that can be accessed from mobile devices or a dashboard and can be used either on a single property or across an entire portfolio.  

    Since empty rooms and common areas do not need the same level of heating or cooling, INNCOM Direct uses a proprietary detection system to identify empty spaces and autonomously adjust the temperature without impacting consumer comfort. Similarly, unrented guest rooms can be set to a specific setting that can be heated or cooled to a more comfortable temperature once a guest checks in. If a guest leaves a room for an extended time, INNCOM Direct can change the temperature to an eco-friendlier temperature that is then automatically adjusted when the guest returns.  

    When it broke ground on its fifth hotel in Spring Hill, Tenn., Halifax Hospitality wanted ways to control its HVAC use, which can consume as much as 25% of the power bill, so it signed on to use INNCOM Direct. At 92,000 square feet and 159 rooms, this hotel is double the size of what the company would have developed a decade ago, leading to higher operational costs.  

    “Hotel rooms are getting bigger and bigger, and we needed something that will deliver energy savings, especially when guests aren’t using the room or a common area is empty,” said Hitesh Patel, vice president of Halifax Hospitality. “Utility costs are going up just like anything else. We’re always looking to find the next big thing to cut costs where we can.”  

  • EQT Completes Acquisition of WSO2


    EQT Completes Acquisition of WSO2

    With the acquisition complete and a new board in place, WSO2 is well-positioned to accelerate the company’s business and market growth worldwide

    AUSTIN, TX: WSO2, a leading global provider of digital transformation technologies, said today that its acquisition by EQT, first announced on May 3, 2024, has been completed. EQT will support WSO2’s next phase of accelerated growth and innovation by drawing on EQT’s deep experience in the software space, global network of industry experts, and dedicated digital value-creation team.

    Since its inception in 2005, WSO2 has been at the forefront of building innovative software that allows organizations to seamlessly deliver digital experiences. Today, WSO2’s platform offers a complete set of market-leading solutions across integration, API management, identity & access management (IAM), and application development. Thousands of organizations, including hundreds of the world’s largest corporations, top universities, and governments, rely on WSO2’s cloud-native software as a service (SaaS) and open-source offerings to drive their digital initiatives — executing 60 trillion transactions and managing over 1 billion identities each year.

    WSO2 now joins EQT’s extensive global portfolio of enterprise software companies, which includes firms such as Virtusa, Billtrust, IFS, SUSE, Storable, thinkproject, and Waystar.

    New WSO2 Board Positions WSO2 for Accelerated Growth

    With the acquisition, a new board of directors has been formed to spearhead the next stage of WSO2’s growth. Leading the board as chair is Jonas Persson, who formerly served as CEO of Microsoft Sweden and has been the chairperson for several portfolio companies like Suse, Acumatica, IFS, and Sitecore. He is joined by Hari Gopalakrishnan, a partner in the EQT Private Capital Asia advisory team and Global co-head of EQT’s services sector team, and Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, who founded WSO2 and will continue his role as CEO.

    “WSO2 is a strong enterprise software company that has delivered a proven track record of innovation and scaled to address the digital transformation demands of enterprises worldwide,” said Jonas Personn, WSO2 board chair. “I am excited to partner with WSO2’s management team in building on this momentum to accelerate the company’s growth and global adoption.”

    “We are excited to collaborate with Jonas, Hari, and the EQT team in accelerating our innovation agenda, expanding our global footprint, and empowering enterprises to thrive in the digital economy,” said Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, WSO2 founder and CEO. “With EQT’s support and the deep expertise of our new board members, we are well-positioned for this next stage of WSO2’s evolution.”

  • Experience the Magic of ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’: Pune’s Devotional Sanskrit Dance Drama Premiering on August 25th for Sanskrit Day and Janmashtami

    PUNE: On the eve of Janmashtami, Pune’s cultural enthusiasts are set to experience a unique blend of South Indian music, Hindustani music, and Bharatanatyam traditions being presented as a dance drama in Sanskrit ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’. To mark the occasion of the Sanskrit Day and the Janmashtmi, Shri Shri Radha Madhav Classical Fine Arts & NupurNaad Music and Dance Academy will present the premiere of this unique Dance Drama in Sanskrit on Sunday, August 25, at 5:00 pm at the Tilak Smarak Mandir, Tilak Road, Pune. Entry to the program is free for all on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Dr. Swati Daithankar, a renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, known for her research in dance and innovative projects has taken upon the daunting task of presenting the Sanskrit play ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’ in Bharatanatyam style. The play, written by renowned Acharya Rupa Goswami (1489-1564) of Vrindavan, involves extensive research, choreography, and presentation

    ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’ is set in the Dan Ghati area at the base of Govardhan Hill and explores a unique aspect of the relationship between Radha and Krishna, which is presented in an entertaining and classical dance format.

    Speaking about the play, Dr. Swati Daithankar said, “Acharya Rupa Goswami of Vrindavan was a disciple and successor of Shri Madhvacharya and Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is revered as a promoter of devotional rasas. His work, including ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi,’ is a prime example of divine play in literature. For me, adapting his work into a dramatic form, enacting the prime role of the facilitator (sutradhar) while simultaneously dancing and speaking on the lapel mic is a huge challenge in itself. We have carefully crafted the presentation to ensure it appeals to all audiences while preserving the essence of the original script.”

    The research, choreography, and presentation of ‘Dan Keli Kaumudi’ has been done by Dr. Swati Daithankar, with music composed by Dr. Dhananjay Daithankar and music coordination by Devadutt Manisha Baji. Nandini Rao Gujar and Meher Parlikar have given their vocal support with Nupur Daithankar as Radha and Kohinoor Darda as Krishna. The performance will also feature twelve dancers from the NupurNaad Institute. Dr. Daithankar also announced that this production will soon be performed nationwide.

  • Chingam Festivities: Volkswagen India Delivers 101 Cars to Kerala Residents

    KERALA: Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has marked a grand start to the beginning of the new year in Kerala. Celebrating the auspicious first day of Malayalam New Year – Chingam, the brand delivered 101 cars to its customers in a single day, showcasing the trust and excitement surrounding the Volkswagen brand in the region. This mega delivery event underscores Volkswagen brand’s commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences and highlights its strong presence in the Kerala market.

    Adding to the spirit, Volkswagen Kerala also secured 55 bookings for its newly launched Onam Edition cars – the Taigun and the Virtus in just 10 days since the launch. These special edition models have quickly captured the interest of customers in Kerala. The successful bookings further reflect the growing popularity of Volkswagen offerings in India, and the brand’s continued efforts to cater to the preferences and traditions of its diverse customer base.

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  • Mir’s Future Plans and Marini’s Surprising Exit at Spielberg

    MotoGP 2024 Sprint Race Round 11 Motorrad Grand Prix von Osterreich

    AUSTRIA: A day of complications for the Repsol Honda Team in the Styrian hills, Joan Mir crossed the line in the 17th as Luca Marini retired on lap six with a technical issue.

    Evening storms were nowhere to be seen as the clouds burned away to reveal a clear sky in the build-up to the Austrian GP. An intense warm-up session gave the Repsol Honda Team a chance for final checks and setup changes ahead of the race.

    Joan Mir was again able to make the difference when the lights went out as he and his Repsol Honda Team RC213V shot forward from 19th – moving immediately to join the battle for the points. Working to complete the race and deepen the breadth of data available to engineers, Mir took 17th at the end of the 28-lap. Wanting more from his Austrian GP weekend, the #36 remains focused on the future and the upgrades in the development pipeline.

    After a positive morning warm-up, Luca Marini was aiming to continue his run of form to again challenge the other Honda riders. Unfortunately, the Italian experienced a technical issue early in the race and returned to the pits on lap six, retiring from the Grand Prix. HRC engineers will investigate deeply ahead of the next race in Aragon.

    The Repsol Honda Team will now head to Misano for a private test before Round 12 of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship in Aragon. Both outings will allow Marini and Mir to keep on improving and focusing on delivering the potential the pair have consistently shown throughout the season so far.

    Luca Marini (DNF) “Not too much to say about today. We had an issue with the bike that we needed to explore deeper before the next race, I could feel it from the start of the race. Aside from this, we have had a very good and important weekend here. When you have something like this on Sunday you have to take a step back and look at the whole weekend – which has been positive. Now we have a busy period and a lot of work and races until the end of the year.”

    Joan Mir (17th) “It was a challenging race today and we did what we could with the situation in front of us. There are still some areas that we need to keep working on and a few of our issues were made more challenging at this track. But the important part is the information, and I am looking to the future for what is to come from HRC. Now is the moment to stay focused and keep working through our things.” 

    Motorrad Grand Prix von Oesterriech Resutls

    Pos.RiderNumNationPointsTeamConstructorTime/Gap1Bagnaia Francesco1ITA25Ducati Lenovo TeamDucati42’11.1732Martin Jorge89SPA20Pramac RacingDucati3.2323Bastianini Enea23ITA16Ducati Lenovo TeamDucati7.3574Marquez Marc93SPA13Team Gresini Racing MotoGPDucati13.8365Binder Brad33RSA11Red Bull KTM Factory RacingKTM18.6206Bezzecchi Marco72ITA10Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing TeamDucati21.2067Vinales Maverick12SPA9Aprilia RacingAprilia24.3228Morbidelli Franco21ITA8Pramac RacingDucati27.6779Espargaro Aleix41SPA7Aprilia RacingAprilia28.82910Marquez Alex73SPA6Team Gresini Racing MotoGPDucati30.26811Espargaro Pol44SPA5KTM Test TeamKTM30.52612Oliveira Miguel88POR4Trackhouse RacingAprilia30.70213Acosta Pedro31SPA3Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3KTM33.73614Nakagami Takaaki30JPN2LCR HondaHonda36.31015Fernandez Augusto37SPA1Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3KTM36.52216Rins Alex42SPA0Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPYamaha37.57117Mir Joan36SPA0Repsol Honda TeamHonda40.43218Quartararo Fabio20FRA0Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPYamaha43.78819Miller Jack43AUS0Red Bull KTM Factory RacingKTM44.13420Savadori Lorenzo32ITA0Aprilia Test TeamAprilia44.57621Zarco Johann5FRA0LCR HondaHonda54.12622Bradl Stefan6GER0HRC Test TeamHonda54.92323Fernandez Raul25SPADNFTrackhouse RacingApriliaDNF24Marini Luca10ITADNFRepsol Honda TeamHondaDNF

    Rider standings

    Pos.RiderNumNationPointsTeamConstructor1Bagnaia Francesco1ITA275Ducati Lenovo TeamDucati2Martin Jorge89SPA270Pramac RacingDucati3Bastianini Enea23ITA214Ducati Lenovo TeamDucati4Marquez Marc93SPA192Team Gresini Racing MotoGPDucati5Vinales Maverick12SPA139Aprilia RacingAprilia6Binder Brad33RSA128Red Bull KTM Factory RacingKTM7Acosta Pedro31SPA125Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3KTM8Espargaro Aleix41SPA113Aprilia RacingAprilia9Di Giannantonio Fabio49ITA104Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing TeamDucati10Marquez Alex73SPA98Team Gresini Racing MotoGPDucati11Bezzecchi Marco72ITA73Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing TeamDucati12Morbidelli Franco21ITA73Pramac RacingDucati13Oliveira Miguel88POR55Trackhouse RacingAprilia14Quartararo Fabio20FRA49Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPYamaha15Miller Jack43AUS47Red Bull KTM Factory RacingKTM16Fernandez Raul25SPA46Trackhouse RacingAprilia17Fernandez Augusto37SPA16Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3KTM18Zarco Johann5FRA14LCR HondaHonda19Mir Joan36SPA13Repsol Honda TeamHonda20Nakagami Takaaki30JPN13LCR HondaHonda21Rins Alex42SPA8Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPYamaha22Pedrosa Dani26SPA7KTM Test TeamKTM23Espargaro Pol44SPA6KTM Test TeamKTM24Marini Luca10ITA1Repsol Honda TeamHonda25Savadori Lorenzo32ITA0Trackhouse RacingAprilia26Bradl Stefan6GER0HRC Test TeamHonda27Gardner Remy87AUS0Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPYamaha

  • Unveiling Myntra Luxe India: A New Era of Bridal Elegance at the Bridal Asia Silver Jubilee Showcase

    The showcase is set to take place at the Jio World Complex, in the Bandra Kurla Complex, for Mumbai and Hotel Ashok, Chanakyapuri for Delhi, on the 17 & 18 August and 14 & 15 September, respectively

    This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Myntra Luxe India’s commitment to democratizing designer-led luxury wear fashion in India

    With nearly 60 million monthly active users on Myntra, this strategic association is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of bridal fashion, with a seamless and luxurious shopping experience

    Myntra and Bridal Asia will promote the collaboration through engaging social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and personalized CRM notifications, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful launch

    Bridal Asia’s grand affair will be witnessed by 80 exhibitors and over 20,000 luxury connoisseurs

    BENGALURU: Myntra announces its strategic collaboration with Bridal Asia, via its proposition, Myntra Luxe India, as the ‘Styling Partner’ for the media house’s  Silver Jubilee showcase in Mumbai and Delhi. Further strengthening Myntra’s position in the designer-led luxury wear segment, this one-of-a-kind association will drive high visibility for the Myntra Luxe India proposition at the much-acclaimed Mumbai and Delhi chapters of the showcase. With an expected footfall of over 20,000 people,  the two-day event across the two cities will witness a convergence of  India’s finest luxury connoisseurs having a taste for elegance and prestige of luxury purchases.

    The showcase is set to take place at the Jio World Complex, in the Bandra Kurla Complex, for Mumbai, and Hotel Ashok, Chanakyapuri, for Delhi, on the 17 & 18 August and 14 & 15 September, respectively.  Bridal Asia’s events have served as a launching platform for several leading Indian brands. With a legacy spanning 25 years, Bridal Asia has consistently led the way in showcasing the most exquisite designers, jewelers, and brands in the wedding space. 

    This collaboration beautifully aligns with the commitment of Myntra Luxe to democratize luxury ethnic fashion in India and build offerings for the millions of aspirational yet discerning customers. With nearly 60 million monthly active users on Myntra, the collaboration with Bridal Asia is set to shape the future of bridal fashion across the country with a seamless and luxurious shopping experience.

    India’s luxury fashion industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for high-end products among middle-income customers and high-net-worth individuals. The festive and wedding season coming on the heels of the Bridal Asia showcase is considered as a high-consumption period for designer ethnic wear. With the proliferation of e-commerce, coupled with the expanding base of designers from every corner of the country,   Myntra Luxe is strongly positioned to cater to these evolving preferences, right in time. 

    By showcasing the stories, craftsmanship, and quality behind each piece, Myntra Luxe captivates consumers who appreciate the artistry of luxury items paired with a thoughtfully curated and personalized shopping experience. Myntra Luxe India, as the Styling Partner, will present designers’ signature, innovative, and trending bridal fashion collections. Shoppers can expect cutting-edge silhouettes, dramatic drapes, asymmetrical cuts, and intricate layering. The styles will embrace both traditional opulence and modern minimalism, ensuring each piece is timeless and fashion-forward.

    Speaking on the association, Sharon Paid, Myntra, said, “Our collaboration with Bridal Asia is a milestone in Myntra Luxe’s journey to redefine luxury ethnic fashion in India. Myntra Luxe which has witnessed a remarkable over 2x YoY growth in 2023, is a treasure trove of fashion opulence promising a premium and unparalleled shopping experience, uniquely designed for the luxury buyers of Myntra. We take pride in offering access to the rich tapestry of Indian culture, showcased through the exceptional craftsmanship of Indian designers, attracting a growing base of affluent customers.”  

    Speaking about Myntra Lux India as their official Styling Partners, Dhruv Gurwara, Bridal Asia’s CEO agrees: “Bridal Asia’s Silver Jubilee edition is set to unveil a collection of exquisite, trend-defining designs from Myntra Luxe India to our elite clientele. This association blends the convenience of digital innovation with the prestige of luxury bridal wear, ensuring an ultra-premium and engaging shopping journey.”

  • HCMCT Manipal Hospital Honors ‘Heroes on Wheels’ This Independence Day

    NEW DELHI: Marking the 78th Independence Day, HCMCT Manipal Hospital in Dwarka honored the unsung ‘Heroes on Wheels’ with a unique tribute. A convoy of 100 ambulances, covering 11 kilometers, made its way through the streets of Dwarka, saluting the bravery and selflessness of these medical warriors. This parade reflects the importance of timely emergency medical services, showcasing the preparedness of Manipal Ambulance Response Services (MARS) and its partners to serve the community.

    The ambulance parade was flagged off by Mr. Pramod Alagharu, Regional COO, North & West Region, Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Sushant Chhabra, Cluster Head, Emergency Medicine North & West Region, Manipal Hospitals, and Dr. Y.K. Mishra, Chairman Manipal Institute of Cardiac Sciences.

    During this event, the hospital honored the 100 ambulance drivers who worked tirelessly 24×7 to save lives. The drivers were felicitated and provided with free health checkups, recognizing their dedication and selflessness. It served as a powerful tribute to the hospital’s commitment to patient care, mirroring the vigilance and dedication of soldiers who protect the nation’s borders.

    Dr. Sushant Chhabra, Cluster Head, Emergency Medicine North & West Region, Manipal Hospitals said “The foundation of a robust emergency medicine department relies on a reliable ambulance service and strong pre-hospital care. These essential components ensure the timely transportation and appropriate medical attention for patients in critical situations, significantly impacting outcomes and saving lives. Today’s ambulance parade showcased the importance of these services, leaving a significant impact on our mission to improve emergency care and save lives.”

    Viji Varghese, Hospital Director, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, said, “The ambulance parade signifies our commitment to patient safety and emergency preparedness. Our ambulance team are our frontline warriors, and today, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also honor the tireless efforts of our healthcare teams who work around the clock to protect our community.”

    The hospital has extended the Independence Day spirit with ’15 Days of Health & Wellness’ until August 20th, 2024, offering discounted evening OPD consultations and essential lab tests at just ₹78 each, empowering the community to prioritize their health and well-being in line with the hospital’s mission to build a healthier nation.

    For emergencies, residents of Dwarka can reach out to the hospital’s ER number: 01140407070.

  • The Allure of Vaani Kapoor: Unveiling Her Top Picks from the Michael Kors Runway Collection

    MUMBAI: Michael Kors is pleased to announce that Vaani Kapoor was spotted in Michael Kors SS24 Runway Collection for her movie promotions in Mumbai on the 14th of August 2024. 

    The post The Allure of Vaani Kapoor: Unveiling Her Top Picks from the Michael Kors Runway Collection appeared first on NRI News.

  • Pune Design Community Backs PM Modi’s Vision for Global Design Excellence

    Design in India and Design for the World

    PUNE: On the auspicious occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a groundbreaking initiative, “Design in India and Design for the World.” This ambitious program seeks to build on the success of the “Make in India” campaign, positioning India as a global hub in design based on India’s rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technological advancements, and abundance of design talent. This announcement has been received with enthusiastic support from the design community, who believe that the Prime Minister’s vision will finally action out the long pending status of India as a global design hub.

    Appreciating PM Modi’s focus on design, Balakrishna Mahajan, President- National Executive Council Association of Designers of India (ADI) said, “The announcement comes as a landmark moment for our Indian design community. Today, India is recognized globally for its emerging young designers who play pivotal roles in major companies worldwide. They have received international accolades such as the Red Dot and IF awards for their creativity and quality. The design industry minus fashion and interiors is pegged at around 20k Crores. In developed markets it contributes 2-3% of GDP, our figures could be lower in the range of 0.5% as a conservative estimate.”

    Pointing out the potential for AI in the design sector, Mahajan said that “AI is emerging as a powerful enabler rather than a threat for the design industry because AI excels at automating tasks, but the true strength of the design lies in creativity, empathy, and contextual understanding which can only be done by humans.”

    Adding further he said, “India today is known as the IT hub, and I am confident that we will soon be known as the Design Hub. India aims to become a $5 trillion economy and integrating design across various sectors will significantly enhance our growth towards achieving this economy.”

    Expressing his support towards the initiative Ashish Deshpande, Industrial Designer -Director, Elephant, Past President, Association of Designers of India said, “If our economy decreases its reliance on foreign exports and needs new markets in the world, focus on good design is essential. Promoting ‘Design in India, Design for the world’ will provide the much-needed policy impetus to the Design profession. This vision will be possible if a solid ecosystem is developed between policymakers, Governing bodies, the manufacturing industry, skill & craft development, and the design profession.”

    Prof. Dr Nachiket Thakur, Director, MIT Institute of Design, MIT Art, Design & Technology University, Pune, and member of the National Executive Council of the Association of Designers of India said, “The evolution of design as formal education in India has been remarkable, with over 100 institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various design specializations. Over 10,000 students have graduated from these institutions, making design a fascinating alternative to traditional fields such as engineering, architecture, and fine arts. Countries in Scandinavia, Europe, and America have long emphasized design in education and were considered competition, however, with Indian talent soaring high, they are now keen to forge connections with Indian educational institutions and view India as an emerging market. With the implementation of the National Education Policy in 2020 along with successful initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Atal Innovation Mission,’ and ‘Startup India,’ the design education sector is on an upward growth”.