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The Young Bombay forum of Bombay Chamber had organized Webinar on The Manager’s Toolkit held on 22nd Oct.’ 2024. Shruti Rathod, Bombay Chamber welcomed the speaker and delegates. She introduced and briefly spoke on historical milestones of Bombay Chamber and Young Bombay Forum. There were 35 delegates participated from different organisations.
Charu Sabnavis, Director, Delta Learning was the speaker for the webinar. She shared a thought-provoking and practical insights with the delegates.
Primarily, she introduced and explained the topic and connected with the delegates for the challenges and expectations about the Role of the Manager, Leadership Styles and managing remotely. She also asked delegates to share their experiences about the best managers they have worked with and What is it about them which they admire? Voluntarily everyone shared their experiences with the speaker.
She explained and elaborate on the below pointers.
Balancing the task and relationship, Empowering and developing people, Setting people up for success, Skill development, Delegation – a win-win!, Process of delegation, Pitfalls of delegation, Managing performance and delivering feedback, The performance pipeline, Framework for giving constructive feedback, Situational Leadership, Adapt your leadership style based on the situation and maturity of the individual.
She also explained The AID model – Action – describe the behavior – Impact – state the impact – Decision – Arrive at an action plan, Appreciation and positive feedback.
Charu stressed on best practices for managing a team remotely, communicating regularly, building trust, Empathizing, being organized and being positive.
She explained the concept and topics on manager’s toolkit with the help of various activities, tasks and case studies. Overall, the entire webinar was highly interactive where delegates discussed their challenges with the speakers and got practical meaningful responses on the subject. The webinar received excellent feedback.
The Bombay Chamber, in association with FTI Consulting as the knowledge partner, conducted a session on Generative AI.
Jon Chan, FTI Consulting’s eDiscovery Innovation and AI leader conducted a 90-minute session titled “Successfully Navigating the Adoption of Generative AI with Regulators and Enforcement Agencies.” This session included an optional 20-minute hands-on labs experience, where attendees utilized laptops and sample data to explore various prompts, models, and concepts, including hallucinations and prompt engineering in an investigative environment.
The session offered practical applications of Generative AI within disputes and investigations, equipping legal, compliance, and investigation leaders with insights on effectively incorporating this technology into their operations. Attendees gained actionable strategies for integrating AI to enhance efficiency and support organisational goals.
Designed for professionals focused on governance, risk, and compliance, the discussion addressed the unique challenges and opportunities posed by Generative AI in regulated environments. FTI’s extensive experiments with this emerging technology provided transparency around associated risks and considerations.
As AI rapidly evolved, organisations learned the importance of navigating uncharted territories, particularly in experimentation and result validation to mitigate risks and support new processes enabled by Generative AI. The session delivered expert perspectives on managing regulatory scrutiny, addressing potential risks, and responsibly leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency while fulfilling legal and compliance obligations.
Following the session, attendees had the opportunity to network during a lunch, fostering discussions around the insights shared and the future implications of Generative AI in their respective fields.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) in New Delhi, highlighting the significant synergy between India and Germany in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green technology. Shri Goyal emphasized that India’s ability to scale, paired with Germany’s expertise in precision engineering, will bring exceptional benefits to the global community.
Shri Goyal highlighted the vast potential in combining Germany’s precision engineering with India’s scaling capabilities across infrastructure sectors—physical, digital, and social. He noted that this partnership could “create something extraordinary for the world.” The Minister emphasized that this collaboration can further drive unprecedented growth in AI adoption, semiconductor innovation, and green technology initiatives, which are central to today’s rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking on India’s Macroeconomic Strength and Climate Commitments, Shri Goyal stressed that India is on a firm path to exceed its climate change commitments, as outlined at COP21. He remarked that India currently ranks 7th on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) and is expected to surpass its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for climate action. “India is committed to combating climate change, on track to meet nationally determined contributions,” Shri Goyal said, reaffirming India’s dedication to sustainable development and responsible environmental practices.
The Union Minister also acknowledged the Asia Pacific Committee of German Business and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce for organizing the APK conference. He noted that Asia-Pacific, which accounts for 60% of the world’s population, is poised to host two-thirds of the global middle class by 2030. Shri Goyal remarked, “This demographic shift presents a fertile ground for businesses seeking to expand their reach and capitalize on emerging sectors.”
Shri Goyal underscored that the APK conference is instrumental in recognizing emerging trends and addressing global challenges. He pointed out that the conference plays a critical role in facilitating the exchange of best practices, fostering technological advancements, and shaping future industrial policies.
The Minister concluded by quoting German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer and poet Rabindranath Tagore. Recalling Schopenhauer’s words, “Reading the Upanishads is comforting in my life…,” he encouraged attendees to embrace India’s cultural richness, especially during the festive season from Diwali to Christmas and New Year. Ending on a visionary note, he shared a quote from Tagore: “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal,” encouraging participants to build a future where their innovations and industries leave a global mark.
This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in both countries’ commitment to global progress through collaborative innovation and sustainable development.
Key Highlights of the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business:
– India-Germany Collaboration: A platform for advancing joint initiatives in AI, semiconductors, and green technologies.
– Climate Change Commitments: India ranks 7th on the CCPI and is set to surpass its climate goals, strengthening sustainable progress.
– Asia-Pacific Market Potential: Asia’s demographic evolution presents opportunities for expansion across emerging sectors.
– Cultural Unity: Shri Goyal celebrated the spirit of India’s rich culture and the synergy of festive seasons across both nations.
This partnership strengthens the longstanding relationship between India and Germany and is a testament to both nations’ pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience.
In a grand celebration of India’s heritage and modern fashion, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar inaugurated an extraordinary exhibition themed “Khadi: The Fabric of Freedom, The Language of Fashion” at the prestigious Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza, India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The exhibition, which runs until October 22, from 11 AM to 7 PM, is organized in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (COEK) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
The exhibition traces Khadi’s remarkable transformation from a hand-spun fabric that played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement to its current status as a sustainable, fashionable choice in the global fashion industry.
Inaugurating the event, KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar shared his thoughts:
“The Khadi that played a crucial role in the freedom movement of India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi has now, thanks to PM Modi’s relentless efforts, become a fashion symbol and a center of attraction for the ‘New Khadi of New India.'”
The inauguration was graced by IIC Director Mr. K.N. Srivastava, who joined Mr. Kumar in extending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Khadi for Fashion.” The exhibition invites visitors to explore Khadi’s unique journey, presenting an array of products that include traditional hand-spun fabrics as well as contemporary designs blending heritage and modern aesthetics.
Key Features of the Exhibition:
Khadi Timeline:
A captivating display that highlights Khadi’s role in India’s freedom movement with archival photos, inspiring quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, and historical records showcasing the fabric’s deep-rooted significance.
Experience Center:
A live demonstration of the spinning process using traditional Bardoli and Peti charkhas allows visitors to witness the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating Khadi fabric.
Modern Designs:
Contemporary Khadi fabrics, sarees, home textiles, and more are exhibited, all designed by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi in collaboration with Khadi institutions. These creations reflect the perfect synergy between tradition and modernity.
Khadi Retail Stalls:
Authentic Khadi garments, including the latest designs developed by COEK, will be available for purchase. Visitors can shop for exclusive items made from this exquisite fabric.
KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar, addressing the media, emphasized the importance of Khadi in India’s socio-economic landscape, quoting Mahatma Gandhi:
“The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, ‘I see God in every thread drawn by the spinning wheel.’ Embracing this philosophy, KVIC, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is organizing various programmes like sales campaigns, exhibitions, and national and international fairs to boost Khadi artisans’ income, which has played a significant role in promoting Khadi products.”
Mr. Kumar further elaborated on Khadi’s growth under PM Modi’s leadership:
“The Khadi that played a key role in the freedom movement under Gandhi’s leadership has now become a fashion icon, thanks to PM Modi’s tireless efforts, and is now known as the ‘New Khadi of New India.’ He highlighted KVIC’s achievements, noting that Khadi’s business turnover under PM Modi’s leadership has surpassed ₹1.55 lakh crore in the financial year 2023-24, a remarkable growth from ₹31,000 crore ten years ago.”
He also discussed PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, which has made Khadi a new status symbol among the youth, and praised COEK’s innovative contributions to popularizing Khadi.
“Since PM Modi’s appeal, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan in Connaught Place, Delhi, has set new sales records every year on Gandhi Jayanti, with sales surpassing ₹2 crore this year on October 2. These figures symbolize that ‘New Khadi of New India,’ under PM Modi’s leadership, has become the flag bearer of the ‘Vocal for Local,’ ‘Make in India,’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns.”
KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar concluded his address with an appeal to the public:
“I urge all citizens to purchase more Khadi products this festive season, helping spread the joy of festivals to the homes of artisans and craftsmen who work tirelessly to produce high-quality goods.”
The exhibition is a significant step in boosting Khadi’s reputation as a modern fashion choice while promoting sustainable and locally-made products. KVIC and NIFT officials and employees also attended the event.
About KVIC:
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India. It is responsible for planning, promoting, organizing, and implementing programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in rural areas, in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 7th Annual Economic Outlook Survey 2024-25, conducted by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry. This survey has become a vital platform for collecting insights and data from both member and non-member organisations, allowing us to deliver a comprehensive macroeconomic analysis of the Indian economy.
In keeping with our role as a bridge between the industry and the Government, we have shared findings from our previous Surveys with key authorities, including the RBI, Ministry of Finance, and Regulatory Bodies. These insights have contributed to a deeper understanding of the economic landscape and influenced policies aimed at fostering a conducive business environment in the country.
The Economic Outlook Survey plays a crucial role in understanding the pulse of the industry across the spectrum – from Large corporations to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By capturing the diverse challenges, opportunities, and trends experienced by businesses of all sizes, the Survey offers a balanced view of the economic landscape, providing invaluable insights that cater to both ends of the industry.
In this spirit of collaboration and nation-building, we invite you to participate in the 7th Economic Outlook Survey. By taking just a few minutes to share your perspectives, you can play an active role in shaping the future of our economy.
Your feedback is crucial and will help inform policy decisions that drive sustainable development.
For further queries, contact:
Priya Singh: 022 6120 0238; Utkarsha Joshi: 022 6120 0271
Email Id: priya.singh@bombaychamber.com ;Utkarsha.Joshi@bombaychamber.com
Mumbai, October 8, 2024 – India’s Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (SM REITs) market is on track to exceed $60 billion by 2026, driven by Mumbai’s significant completed stock and bolstered by recent tax reforms under the Union Budget 2024-25. With enhanced transparency, investor protection, and a growing demand for fractional ownership, SM REITs are fast becoming an attractive investment option poised to revitalise the commercial real estate market and boost investor confidence.
Against this promising backdrop, the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the Conclave on SM REITs 2.0: The Path to Compliance & Growth, under the aegis of the PE & VC Committee. The conclave focused on the transformative potential of SM REITs, regulated by SEBI as of March 8, 2024, and featured key industry stakeholders discussing the evolving regulatory landscape and growth opportunities.
Ashith Kampani, Board Member and Chair of the PE & VC Committee, Bombay Chamber, and Chairperson of Cosmic Mandala 15 Group, in his welcome address, stated, “The potential market size for SM REITs in India is projected to exceed $60 billion by 2026. The regulation of fractional ownership of real estate assets is a commendable step that will encourage foreign direct investment from global retail investors.”
Sanjay Dutt, Board Member and MD & CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure, set the stage by emphasising India’s robust real estate demand, “India is witnessing unprecedented office space absorption. For the first time in the history of the country, for the 2024 calendar year, India will witness the highest office absorption in the country. By the end of 2024, net absorption is likely to touch 65 million sq. ft., with the gross figure approaching 80 million sq. ft. This growth extends beyond the top eight cities and opens up new opportunities for developers and investors nationwide.” Dutt praised SEBI’s regulations for transforming India’s unregulated real estate sector into an institutionalized market.
In his Keynote Address, Shri Pramod Rao, Executive Director of SEBI, highlighted the potential of SM REITs to unlock value from India’s real estate wealth, which comprises over half of the country’s total wealth. He noted, “A report computes the wealth of Indians, and states that wealth in the form of real estate exceeds half of the total wealth in the whole country, with gold coming second, at 15%, bank deposits at 13%, equities at 5.8 % and insurance and pension at 5.7%, each. To me this underlines the fact that the wealth of a lot of individuals is in real estate. Real estate is the largest asset class globally, yet it is often illiquid and difficult to manage for individual investors. SM REITs convert these physical assets into financial assets, offering liquidity and fractional ownership, making it a powerful tool for financial inclusion.”
The first panel discussion, moderated by Kailash Babar, Deputy Editor at ET, explored the regulatory framework and compliance landscape for SM REITs. Expert panellists, including Sudip Mullick, Advocate, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder & Chairman of the Hiranandani Group, Ruchir Sinha, Managing Partner at Resolute Partners, and Sandip Bhagat, Partner, S&R Associates discussed key drivers for SM REIT growth, taxation challenges, and the sector’s role in democratising real estate investment.
The second panel, led by Neil Borate, Deputy Editor at LiveMint, provided an investor-centric view of SM REITs. Industry experts Shobhit Agarwal, MD & CEO, ANAROCK Capital; Divya Goyal, Executive Director and Head of Investment Risk Monitoring Services, Consulting, India, CBRE; Abhinav Maker, Partner, Trilegal; Shiv Parekh, Founder & CEO, hBits, and Raj Shah, Co-Founder, Invest in Pre-Leased discussed differentiators between SM REITs and mainstream REITs, the sectors showing the most promise, and key concerns for investors as the market evolves.
The event was supported by Embassy REIT, Trilegal, S&R Associates, Anarock, hBits and Invest in Preleased.
(December 28, 1937 – October 9, 2024)
With profound sadness, Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry mourns the loss of Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, visionary industrialist, philanthropist, and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. He is the recipient of India’s second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan.
Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata. Educated at Cornell University and Harvard Business School, he went on to lead the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and most respected conglomerates, from 1991 to 2012. Under his stewardship, the Group expanded globally with the acquisition of marquee brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Tetley Tea, and Corus Steel, placing Indian enterprise on the world stage. Ratan Tata’s legacy is one of integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to improving lives. His efforts went beyond the boardroom as he championed social causes through the Tata Trusts, funding initiatives in healthcare, education, rural development, and environmental conservation. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the development of the Tata Nano, a symbol of affordable innovation for the masses.
Throughout his life, Ratan Tata remained a staunch advocate of ethical business practices and was revered for his modesty and compassion. Despite his immense success, he was known for his down-to-earth demeanor and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
A luminary, he leaves behind an unparalleled legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Ratan Tata’s influence on Indian business, his philanthropy, and his commitment to fostering a better world will be remembered for generations to come.
May he rest in peace.
Bombay Chamber organised its annual Mutual Fund Conclave yesterday at the St Regis Hotel, Mumbai. The theme of the Conclave was India’s growth funded by Indians.
In her welcome address, Pinky Mehta, President, Bombay Chamber and CFO, Aditya Birla Capital, said, “The Assets Under Management (AUM) of India’s mutual fund industry rose by an impressive 40.70% over the past year, climbing from ₹46.94 lakh crore in August 2023 to ₹66.04 lakh crore in August this year, as reported by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Recognising this expanding market, SEBI has introduced a simplified regulatory framework for launching passive mutual fund schemes, known as MF Lite. This initiative aims to reduce compliance burdens and encourage new entrants into the mutual fund space.”
Setting the theme for the Conclave, Nilesh Shah, Past President, Bombay Chamber & Group President and Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra AMC said, “The MF industry represents a sustainable model where distributors, manufacturers, and investors come together to drive economic freedom. It is unique in aligning the interests of all three stakeholders. The industry’s primary responsibility is to safeguard investor trust, which has remained strong thanks to regulatory oversight.”
He further added, “Currently, 93% of household savings in India go into instruments like bank savings and fixed deposits, which do not keep pace with inflation. The remaining 7%, invested in equities and mutual funds, offers inflation-beating returns. This imbalance means most Indians are not financially secure. A greater push, such as through initiatives like Jan Nivesh, is needed to direct savings toward real-return products. The younger generation must also be engaged – 18 crore Indians traded in cryptocurrencies and lost money, with many of these being young investors. The MF industry needs a North Star, to guide these efforts toward long-term financial security for all.”
The Keynote Speaker, Manoj Kumar, Executive Director, SEBI, said, “With 60 lakh crore AUM, the regulator should work fast too. There is no meaning to whatever has been built if trust is eroded. Our objective is to help everyone. We are making changes to MF to match the pace of growth of the industry. We actively consult with everyone for these changes – the industry, the distributors and gain a holistic view. The recent introduction of MF Lite was in keeping pace with the needs of the industry and investors. To reduce compliance burden and make it lighter, while also ensuring compliance standards are adhered to. Similarly, the new asset class for HNIs. With a lot of unauthorised activities that happen at the lower end of the market, we need to take action and adopt a development approach to the same. Since there is a need in the market, we address it by bringing it into the regulatory framework. The structure we are trying to create is that all PMS and AIF players should be facilitated in MF Lite and the new asset class. “
In a Fireside Chat on Guardrails for a Growing Mutual fund industry, between Navneet Munot, Board Member, Bombay Chamber and Chairman, AMFI and MD & CEO, HDFC AMC and Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business, the two speakers shared insights on reaching the 5 crore unique investors and cautioned that the industry still has a long way to go.
The Conclave also saw two panel discussions. The first which was on ‘The journey from 4 cr to 40 cr investors’ was moderated by Latha Venkatesh, Executive Editor, CNBC TV18 and the panelists included Nilesh Shah; Swarup Anand Mohanty, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India); Lalit Keshre, Co-Founder & CEO, Groww and D P Singh, DMD, SBI Mutual Fund.
The second panel moderated by Nisha Poddar, Managing Editor, Times Experiences included panelists Soumya Rajan, Founder & CEO, Waterfield Advisors; Karan Bhagat, Founder, MD & CEO, 360 ONE; Sudhir Variyar, Deputy CEO, Multiples Alternate Asset Management; Ashish Gupta, Chief Investment Officer, Axis Mutual Fund and Vishal Agarwal, Partner & National Leader – Transaction Tax and PE Channel, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP. The panel discussed about wealth creation through AIFs and PMS.
The Young Bombay Forum of the Bombay Chamber organized a six-part Leadership Accelerator webinar series in September 2024. Ms. Shruti Rathod, representing the Bombay Chamber, extended a warm welcome to the speaker and participants, highlighting the rich legacy and accomplishments of both the Bombay Chamber and the Young Bombay Forum. The event saw participation from professionals across various industries.
The webinar featured two expert coaches:
The webinar addressed key challenges faced by many talented leaders that often hinder their progression into senior positions or critical roles. Common hurdles discussed included confidence gaps, self-doubt, lack of self-awareness, and the need for proactive engagement and relationship-building. By identifying these challenges and offering actionable insights, the webinar aimed to help leaders unlock their full potential and advance in their careers, benefitting both individuals and their organizations.
The Leadership Accelerator initiative was designed to equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to overcome leadership obstacles. The series focused on various topics, including:
The program’s structure included:
Participants also benefited from continuous support and practice exercises through WhatsApp, reinforcing the concepts learned during the sessions.
Key Takeaways:
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the webinar’s relevance and effectiveness. The interactive format and practical focus made it a valuable and enriching experience for all involved.
The Young Bombay Forum of the Bombay Chamber organized a dynamic Thought Leadership Session on September 25, 2024, featuring Dr. VS Parthasarathy, a distinguished coach, mentor, and social entrepreneur. Dr. Parthasarathy, known for his roles with SEWA, LIC, NIIT, Cloud9, and other prominent organizations, delivered an enriching session at The Ruby, Mumbai, that attracted professionals eager to gain insights from his extensive leadership experience.
The session began with a warm welcome by Ms. Shruti Rathod from the Bombay Chamber, followed by introductory remarks by Mr. Ashith Kampani, Chairman of the Young Bombay Forum and Managing Director of CosmicMandala 15 Securities Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Kampani reflected on the historical milestones of both the Bombay Chamber and the Young Bombay Forum, setting the stage for an engaging discussion.
Dr. Parthasarathy captivated the audience with his insightful address on leadership, emphasizing both professional and personal development. His talk was inspiring, practical, and interactive, encouraging active participation from the attendees. He offered actionable advice on enhancing leadership skills, grounded in his philosophy of perseverance, passion, and purpose—the “three Ps” that he believes are essential for success.
He shared key mantras for excellence and leadership, focusing on empathy, understanding others, and the importance of consistent practice. Dr. Parthasarathy challenged the common belief that success is solely about strategy and execution. He argued that true success also requires perseverance. He illustrated this with a powerful metaphor: “When you plant a seed and water it, the results aren’t immediately visible. It takes time and perseverance for the plant to grow.”
Dr. Parthasarathy also spoke about the significance of creating a familial atmosphere in the workplace. Given the long hours professionals spend at work, he suggested treating colleagues like family to achieve better work-life balance. He emphasized that perseverance, once established as a habit, helps in balancing life effectively.
Looking to the future of business, he discussed the idea of “business movement,” where companies evolve beyond their original models—just as Amazon expanded from a bookstore to finance, insurance, and data centers. He highlighted the importance of adaptability, especially as the world grapples with climate change and the rise of experiential commerce. He stressed that only innovative companies that are willing to adapt will survive.
“Learning should never end,” Dr. Parthasarathy advised, encouraging continuous learning and adaptability. He introduced the concept of shifting from a 70:30 to a 30:70 ratio—where 70% of repetitive tasks should be automated through technologies like AI, allowing professionals to focus 70% of their time on future-oriented strategies.
In closing, Dr. Parthasarathy left the audience with memorable words: “Keep your eyes on the horizon but your feet firmly on the ground.” He urged everyone to remain grounded while aiming high, recounting his personal journey of perseverance and growth, starting alone and gradually building a strong network of like-minded individuals.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where participants had the opportunity to seek advice from Dr. Parthasarathy on their professional challenges. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the event’s success and the profound impact of Dr. Parthasarathy’s insights.
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