Latest news with #KumarMangalamBirla
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Consumption expected to pick up, public investment likely to remain key growth lever: K M Birla
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India's will remain the fastest growing major economy in 2025-26 on the back of sound microeconomic fundamentals and a robust financial sector, leading industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla has emerged as an "outlier of stability and momentum" in a world adrift, the Aditya Birla Group 's chairman said in the latest annual report of the flagship firm UltraTech Cements."With projected GDP growth of 6.4-6.5 per cent, it retained its crown as the fastest-growing major economy. The final quarter surged to 7.4 per cent, powered by construction, manufacturing, and sustained government capital outlay," Birla said in his address to shareholders. The annual report was released on on the outlook for the external sector, though exposed to global turbulence, remains cautiously optimistic, he said, adding that the ongoing trade negotiations and regional partnerships offer a buffer against a volatile trade landscape."While global financial market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and trade fragmentation pose downside risks, India's sound macroeconomic fundamentals, robust financial sector, and commitment to sustainable growth position the economy to remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2025-26," he UltraTech Chairman said manufacturing momentum is expected to build in the country, helped by the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) the new National Manufacturing Mission and infrastructure remains a priority, buoyed by initiatives under Gati Shakti, higher allocations for affordable housing, and a renewed push under the Asset Monetisation the world economy, Birla said, "Looking ahead, global growth is expected to moderate to 2.8 per cent in 2025 before edging up to 3 per cent in 2026."In this, much of the drag is expected from advanced economies, with their collective growth projected to slow from 1.8 to 1.4 per cent, he Birla also said monetary easing and subsiding inflation offer some tailwinds, though vulnerabilities such as geopolitical conflict, high borrowing costs, and deteriorating trade dynamics still persist."Inflation is projected to fall further to 4.3 per cent in 2025 and 3.6 per cent in 2026, but service sector inflation remains sticky, and trade disruptions could yet spark fresh cost pressures," he new tariffs and retaliatory measures risk pulling global trade volumes into contractionary he said, "recent bilateral trade deals suggest that diplomacy is not entirely off the table, even as rhetoric hardens".USD 67-billion Aditya Birla group business is spread across 41 countries, and around 50 per cent of the revenue is from its global group has launched new platforms and rapidly scaled in segments such as paints, jewellery retail, and in B2B e-commerce."At the same time, we deepened leadership in our core sectors like cement, metals, fibre, chemicals, and financial services. Each move was consequential on its own," he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Asian Paints aims to quash CCI probe, saying investigation order mishandled
India's biggest paints maker, Asian Paints , is seeking to quash an antitrust inquiry by CCI , arguing that officials damaged its reputation by publishing, and then deleting, allegations against its CEO from the investigation order, legal papers show. Rapid infrastructure and real estate growth in India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, has made the paints business a lucrative sector worth around $9.5 billion. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others PGDM Technology Project Management Artificial Intelligence Others Finance MCA Cybersecurity Public Policy Data Analytics Degree Operations Management Design Thinking Data Science CXO Healthcare MBA Leadership healthcare Management Product Management Digital Marketing Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details The Competition Commission of India is investigating Asian Paints, which has a 52% market share, after officials found merit in a complaint filed by rival Birla Opus that Asian Paints had abused its dominant position by offering discounts and incentives to dealers. In a court challenge, Asian Paints told Mumbai judges the CCI's July 1 order contained an allegation that its CEO warned raw material suppliers in a meeting that they would get less business from the company if they dealt with Birla. Within 24 hours, the reference was deleted and a new modified order was issued by the CCI, Asian Paints said in the filing, adding that both orders were still online and such an unexplained change was against legal procedures. Live Events "The concurrent existence of two different orders ... has undermined the integrity of the proceedings, creating confusion in the market," Asian Paints said in its July 14 high court filing, seen by Reuters. "The contents of the first impugned order have also caused grave reputational damage to the petitioner and to its CEO." The CCI did not respond to queries on Asian Paints' lawsuit or why the changes were made to its order. Asian Paints, its CEO Amit Syngle and Birla Opus, the paints arm of billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla's Grasim Industries , also did not respond to queries. Reuters is first to report the contents of Asian Paints' 250-page lawsuit, which is not public. Birla has dented some of Asian Paints' dominance after it launched in February 2024 and grew rapidly to garner a near 7% market share by March this year, Elara Capital data shows. Asian Paints also presented a table to the judge citing other changes made in the revised order, including the deletion of a reference that its representatives were allegedly concerned about some dealers using Birla's specialist paint devices. Making such changes indicates the CCI took its decision with a "pre-meditated mind", Asian Paints' filing said. Ahead of the CCI's decision to investigate, Reuters on June 6 first reported Birla's confidential antitrust complaint against Asian Paints. Asian Paints submitted that story to the CCI and also inquired about the case, the filing shows. Asian Paints' court challenge will be heard on August 6.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BITS Pilani announces AI+ campus in Amaravati, other initiatives
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani announced an AI+ campus in Amaravati, a 1,219 crore investment to expand and modernise its campuses under Project Vistaar, and unveiled BITS Pilani Digital, its dedicated EdTech platform. BITS Pilani announces AI+ campus in Amaravati(Posted on X by @bitspilaniindia) These announcements were made by Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla during the 2025 convocation celebrations. Also read: MeitY, BITS-Pilani sign MoU to launch professional development programmes in cybersecurity for professionals KM Birla called it a pivotal moment in the journey of BITS Pilani. 'For over six decades, BITS Pilani has been synonymous with academic excellence, pioneering innovation, and nation-building. Through its unwavering focus on quality education and values-driven leadership, the institute has nurtured generations of professionals, thinkers, and entrepreneurs who have played an important role in shaping India's growth story on the global stage.' "…These efforts are not just about scale but also about building a transformative ecosystem that empowers learners, nurtures innovation, and fuels inclusive growth. They will also help lay the foundation for India's knowledge economy, aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of a trillion-dollar academic ecosystem, and preparing the nation for a digital, global future,' he added. The newly announced AI+ Campus in Amaravati will offer undergraduate twinning programs, cotutelle doctoral degrees with top global institutions, and master's programs in AI/ML, innovation, and strategy, the institute said. It will be developed in 2 phases. The first phase will support 3,000 students, focusing on core academics and student life and the second phase will scale capacity to 7,000+, adding advanced research centers, global collaboration zones, and dedicated entrepreneurship hubs, built using sustainable, modular infrastructure for scalability and efficiency," it added. The institute said the ₹1,219 crore Project Vistaar is one of the largest capital investments in its history. Under this, the institute will expand and upgrade infrastructure across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. It includes ₹60 crore for upgrading undergraduate laboratories to world-class standards. 'The student intake across campuses is projected to increase from over 18,700 to approximately 26,000 by academic year 2030–31. This physical expansion is coupled with strategic development of new interdisciplinary programs aligned with future industry and global trends,' BITS said in a press statement. BITS Pilani Digital is the institute's own EdTech platform and is in response to the National Education Policy's push for accessible and lifelong learning. The institute said the platform offers flexible, industry-aligned programs co-created with professionals. 'Over the next five years, BITS Pilani Digital aims to launch 32 programs (including 11 degrees and 21 certificates) and reach over 100,000 learners. Learners will engage in real-world projects, gain career support, and have the option of campus immersions to build connections within the BITS community and industry.' Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, 'Our focus at BITS Pilani has always been to stay ahead of the curve, whether in academic innovation, global research collaboration, or student experience. With these new initiatives, we are reaffirming our vision to create an institution that is responsive to the world's changing needs, deeply connected to industry, and driven by a spirit of purpose and excellence…."
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Focus on...': Why KM Birla is advising techies to move beyond AI in the age of disruptions
Kumar Mangalam Birla addressed BITS Pilani's Class of 2025, urging graduates to lead a 'generative life' creating lasting value amidst global uncertainty and technological disruption. He emphasized resilience and stewardship. BITS Pilani is also set to establish its first Artificial Intelligence Plus Campus in Andhra Pradesh, offering cutting-edge AI programs and fostering innovation. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads AI plus campus at BITS Pilani Addressing the Class of 2025 at BITS Pilani's Convocation, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla delivered an inspiring message to young graduates stepping into a world marked by both contradictions—uncertainty and opportunity, disruption and innovation."You are all, of course, passing out at a time of great global uncertainty. We are all being buffeted by the crosswinds of geopolitical turmoil and relentless technological disruption. The world appears uncertain and paradoxical in equal measure," Birla said during his continued, highlighting the surreal nature of global events, "Take the month of June — it seemed like we were at the brink of World War III, with headlines warning of escalating conflict and disruptions to global trade. Yet benchmark indices in the US hit record highs. It is a world where anxiety and optimism co-exist."Birla, whose group spans industries from telecom and metals to fashion and retail, urged students — to live a generative life, a concept that resonates in an age dominated by artificial intelligence "Today, in an age of generative AI, there is much discussion about what machines can produce. But I invite you to consider instead the idea of a generative life — one fuelled by deliberate creative energy,' he said."A generative life is one that creates lasting value. It is the capacity to build what endures. It means choosing to make things better. It is about cultivating resilience or the ability to regenerate after setbacks. It is about stewardship—or the responsibility to impact institutions and communities in a way that they are stronger than when we found them."The renowned deemed university, BITS Pilani, is to set up its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plus Campus in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said on thanked Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla group and chancellor of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS)-Pilani, for selecting the southern state to set up the a post on X, Naidu said, the campus will offer world-class academic and industrial exposure."With cutting-edge programmes in AI, Data Science, Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Computational Linguistics, the campus will offer a dynamic, global model of education with international exposure and hands-on industry internships," he Chief Minister said that Andhra Pradesh will become the hub of AI-driven education, producing leaders for global industries while strengthening local employment, innovation ecosystems and economic further said that BITS Pilani's investment reflects Andhra Pradesh's readiness for next-generation education, ensuring top-notch infrastructure, ease of doing business and proactive governance for such transformative educational projects.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
BITS Pilani AI+ Campus to come up in Amaravati
VIJAYAWADA: Marking a significant leap in its mission to redefine higher education, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, has announced the launch of a futuristic AI+ Campus in Amaravati, alongside a series of transformative initiatives unveiled during its 2025 convocation. Spearheaded by Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla, BITS Pilani has announced a Rs 1,219 crore investment under Project Vistaar to expand and modernise existing campuses, and the formal rollout of BITS Pilani Digital, its dedicated EdTech platform for flexible, industry-aligned learning. Speaking on the occasion, Birla said, 'This is a pivotal moment in the journey of BITS Pilani. These bold steps are aimed not just at expansion but at shaping a transformative learning ecosystem that nurtures innovation, empowers learners, and contributes to India's knowledge economy in line with the Prime Minister's vision of a trillion-dollar academic sector.' The new AI+ Campus of BITS Pilani in Amaravati, spread over 35 acres, is designed as a next-generation innovation hub. The AI+ Campus will offer undergraduate twinning programs, cotutelle doctoral degrees, and master's programs in AI, machine learning, and innovation strategy.
