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Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
After CM rap on ‘long delayed' project, GDA says ready to take over cricket stadium project
Ghaziabad: In the works since 2014, the state's plan to build an international cricket stadium in Ghaziabad is likely to finally see progress after chief minister Yogi Adityanath's intervention. Stuck primarily due to an impasse over FAR (floor area ratio) between UP Cricket Association and GDA, the 55,000-seater stadium is one of NCR's most delayed projects. Last week, after instructions from the CM to expedite work, GDA said it is ready to take over the Rs 450-crore project within 15 days. It has, so far, been playing a facilitator's role to UP Cricket Association (UPCA). "On June 26, the CM, while addressing the press in Ghaziabad's Mansarovar Bhawan, said BCCI wanted to make a cricket stadium in Ghaziabad, but due to some reasons, it has not happened. Subsequently, GDA was directed to acquire land, complete the stadium and manage it too," GDA vice chairperson Atul Vats told TOI. "After a series of meetings with the UPCA's stadium committee convenor, Rakesh Mishra, it was decided GDA will take up the project now. " You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida The international stadium was conceived in 2014, and over the years, UPCA and BCCI purchased land from farmers with Ghaziabad Development Authority facilitating the deals. In 2019, CM Yogi Adityanath performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium. There was almost no progress till last March, when BCCI's Rajeev Shukla and former Ghaziabad MP VK Singh laid a foundation stone for the project. Naresh Chand, a Morti farmer whose land was acquired for the project, said, "Land was purchased from us at a rate of Rs 46 lakh per square yard. Revenue records show the land will be used for a cricket stadium. We had hoped that once ready, the cricket stadium would encourage youths to take up the sport and push local businesses too. But after so many years, the land lies unutilised." According to Vats, the construction was delayed as UPCA and GDA sparred over FAR—the built-up area to be allowed—and land use. According to the initial plan, the stadium was to come up on 31 acres. Of this, a 23-acre area was earmarked for the construction of the stadium and the rest was to be used for commercial activities. "As per GDA's building bylaws, the permissible FAR for land under the recreational green category is 0.1, but UPCA wanted a higher built-up area of 1.2 and 1.5, which is typically allocated for land under mixed use category. It is for the state govt to alter land use categories," Vats said, adding that a proposal to change land use category could not be sent to the state govt over the years pending the sale deeds of the 31 acres acquired for the project. Mishra, meanwhile, told TOI that they apprised GDA about issues that were holding up the project. "As of today, we can only say that UPCA can still develop the stadium, provided the issues are addressed," he said.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Crafting iconic brands for the next billion consumers: ETBWS2025
It was the grand opening that set the stage for the rest of the day at the Brand World Summit 2025 . Sanjiv Mehta , executive chairman, L Catterton India invited Sudhanshu Vats , MD, Pidilite Industries to "do a bit of crystal ball gazing" into India's consumption story, particularly with an eye in 2047 – a century after India gained its independence. Vats responded with a projection of India's economic might. "India by 2047 would be anywhere between a USD20 trillion to a USD30 trillion economy," he declared, emphasising the profound impact this growth would have on per capita income and, consequently, consumption. Vats elaborated on the "magic" that unfolds in consumer spending as per capita income rises. He highlighted that if the economy touched USD 20 trillion, the per capita income would be in the range of USD 12000 and if the economy touched USD 30 trillion then the per capita income would be anywhere between USD18000-20000. "The journey from currently about USD3,000 per capita to almost USD12,000 per capita, which we will definitely go to in 2047, is going to be incredible across categories," Vats asserted, his voice brimming with optimism. He concluded this segment with an inspiring message for the audience: "It's a great time to be in India. It's a great time to be a young leader in India, and it's a fantastic time to be a young marketing leader in India." Vats even envisioned a future where "many Indian brands on the Global Map" would be a common sight. The Untapped Potential: Deep Diving into Consumer Needs Mehta then turned to Narasimhan, inviting her to add a "distinct flavor" to Vats' broad economic outlook. Drawing on her extensive experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods ( FMCG ) sector, Narasimhan brought the discussion down to a granular level, using the example of oral care to illustrate India's immense consumption potential. "Even a simple thing like oral care, consumption in India, universal penetration, which is fantastic," Narasimhan began, highlighting that "every home has a toothpaste and a toothbrush." However, she quickly pointed out the significant gap: "our consumption continues to be half that of Indonesia, a third that of even markets like Brazil." This disparity, she noted, suggests the possibility of a "2x market or a 3x market just by catching up with some other countries." Narasimhan further exemplified this with the category of mouthwash, which has a mere "one per cent penetration" in India, indicating "so much headroom to grow." She emphasised that the core of India's consumption story lies in effectively segmenting the nation's 1.4 billion people. "Perhaps the way to win in India is to take this 1.4 billion, break it up, saying these are manageable sections. They have a need, and we can service that need," she explained, referencing Unilever's "winning in many Indias" strategy. She shared a recent success story from her own experience: "We've launched a purple toothpaste which we thought would appeal to a small set of people, actually much wider than we thought." This anecdote underscored her belief that "there's so much going on in India, if we spend the time to understand the consumers and make sure that we're creating for that need, this vision that you know so many people have for India, 2047 is certainly within our grasp." The Enduring Principles of Marketing in a Digital Age Mehta steered the conversation from macroeconomics to the evolving world of marketing. "I don't think there is any country in the world which is going to drive consumption as India is going to do in the next two decades," he stated emphatically. He then posed a crucial question to Narasimhan, acknowledging her journey through different eras of marketing, from pre-digital to the age of AI. "What has changed and what has not changed in the world of marketing?", he asked. Narasimhan's response was a thoughtful delineation of the immutable principles versus the evolving methods. "I'll start with what has not changed, because I think it's really important," she began. The first fundamental, she stressed, is that "brands that win serve a real need of consumers. They do it in a fashion that is authentic and delivers value, and that's not going to change." She highlighted timeless human motivations, such as a parent's desire for their child's well-being, as examples of needs that remain constant despite technological advancements. The second unwavering principle, according to Narasimhan, is the inherent intelligence of consumers. "Consumers are exceptionally smart. They know value when they see it. If you don't deliver value, you will not survive." However, she acknowledged the seismic shifts in "the how." "If in the past, you could do this absolutely one-way monologue, where you create one piece of advertising, you push that piece of advertising out to millions and millions, and you repeat. And that was the way to build brands," she explained. "Now you have the opportunity to segment, to cohort, to make small sizes, to reach individually and importantly, you have the opportunity for dialogue." She attributed this transformation directly to technology, stating, "Without tech, we would not be able to do these small cohorts... many things, create the dialogue, have the conversation, while yet staying rooted to authenticity and values." Storytelling: The Heartbeat of Brand Building Mehta picked up on Narasimhan's point about the changing methods, specifically asking Vats about the critical role of storytelling in marketing in the current tech-driven landscape. Vats emphatically declared, "Storytelling in marketing and brand building has been very, very essential. Brands were always told through stories or built through stories." While the methods of storytelling have evolved, the essence remains. He introduced his "5 Ps" framework for marketers, with "proposition or its position" being the most critical, largely conveyed through stories. The fifth P, he added, which has become increasingly vital, is "purpose," which again, can be powerfully established through stories. Vats offered a compelling anecdote about Fevicol. Vats recounted, demonstrating how the brand has come to symbolise an "ultimate bond," both in its physical strength and its association with relationships. He further reflected on his experience with other iconic brands like Hamam, Castrol, and Colors, all of which leveraged powerful storytelling. "I thought the brands the past achieved were built by people telling stories almost one on one," Vats mused. In today's tech world, he noted, "all you are doing is, once again through content, building communities, connections, and then building commerce." Narasimhan chimed in, reinforcing Vats' point, observing that many successful founders today begin with a "very personal story." These authentic narratives, she noted, "grip you saying, okay, this makes sense to me, and this is a reason for me to buy into the brand". Timeless Brands: Trust, Consistency, and Relevance Mehta then shifted gears, addressing a common perception that the "era of brand is over." He challenged this notion, citing brands that have "survived the Black Friday" and remain "timeless." He specifically pointed to Colgate as an example, a brand relevant across generations. "What makes a brand timeless?" he asked Narasimhan. Narasimhan identified three core elements. The first is an "unshaking commitment to delivering quality." She emphasised that "timelessness is a trust. It's a relationship that's built over years, and the key foundation of any relationship... is trust." For an FMCG brand, this translates directly to product quality – if Colgate promises to prevent cavities, it must deliver. The second crucial factor is consistency. "You don't want them to be A one day, B another day, C a third day. Then you're confused," she explained, drawing a parallel to human relationships. Narasimhan questioned whether the constant pursuit of novelty in modern marketing might sometimes sacrifice this vital consistency. "You can tell the same story consistently. You can do it in a refreshed manner and stay consistent. You don't have to change yourself entirely." Finally, the third element is the ability to keep pace with change. "Meats change, food habits have evolved. Therefore what you require from your toothpaste has evolved. Socialising has evolved. Therefore what you require from your toothpaste and oral care regimen has evolved. You need to keep pace with change," Narasimhan concluded. She underscored that these three principles are "all underpinned by this authenticity or purpose" that brands must embody. Mehta summarised Narasimhan's perspective: "the brand is a promise, and the timeless brand is a promise delivered consistently." Marketers as Architects of Innovation Turning to Vats, Mehta brought up Pidilite's reputation for innovative products and asked about the marketer's role in innovation. Vats emphasised the critical importance of staying "connected with your consumer or customer." He explained that "innovation happens by understanding today's needs, or unmet needs." He detailed Pidilite's extensive engagement with its three million users, including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, contractors, and now architects and interior designers. This constant dialogue, he noted, helps them understand what works and what doesn't. This deep consumer understanding fuels Pidilite's innovation engine. "A third of our portfolio is Fevicol today," Vats shared, "A fourth of our portfolio is a portfolio that did not exist, definitely seven years back, maybe even five years back." This continuous evolution, he asserted, is a direct result of "continuously listening to what your customers are saying, what your consumers are saying, and bringing the next product which is needed." He defined Pidilite's "pioneering" spirit as "nothing but listening to your customers and consumers seeing what are the unmet or underserved needs... and how are you plugging that with a brand." Global Ambitions: Indian Brands on the World Stage Mehta then posed a challenging question to Vats, reflecting on Narasimhan's experience of bringing a global brand to India. "What would it take for an Indian brand to become as big as Apple?" Vats identified two key drivers. First, the sheer growth and heft of the Indian economy. He explained that as India's economy expands, so will its exports, often including its brands. He cited Fevicol's presence in 100 countries as an example, noting its recognition in parts of Africa. Second, is the ability to build brands that stay consistent and "start with a human need". Vats highlighted universal human needs like "respect, belonging, love, leadership" as foundations upon which brands can travel globally. "Bring a point of view of yourself as a brand, bring a bit of a and understand the cultural context, first and foremost, of India. But if it is a universal human being, the brand will travel." He stressed the importance of not compromising on quality, aiming to make products that are "best in the world". Embracing AI: The Future of Marketing The discussion concluded with an inevitable topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Mehta acknowledged the prevailing fear that AI might displace jobs and asked Narasimhan what marketers need to do to prepare for an AI-pervasive world. Narasimhan asserted, "I don't think that we should see AI as a threat to marketeers, but more as an aid to marketers used properly." She believes AI will enable marketers to achieve the "fundamental thing that we've been talking about, which is, how can I have a one-to-one conversation with somebody?" AI, she added, allows marketers to do this "in a more seamless, faster, more efficient manner". However, she maintained that "the idea of who I am as a brand, what do I bring to you, and what need do I serve? I think it will still need to be served by humans, panel moderators or panel respondents." Mehta concluded the session by summarising the key takeaways. India's unique position on the "cusp of greatness," is driven by a newfound "self belief and confidence". Second, he reiterated that while the means and methods of marketing have dramatically changed with technology, the core principles of marketing remain timeless: "insights, creating products which meet the unmet needs, product superiority, storytelling, occupying the emotional space, building relationship with the consumers". Finally, addressing the AI revolution, he urged marketers to embrace AI, learn prompt engineering, and understand how to use tools like ChatGPT. "We don't expect marketers to learn how to build LLMs, but we certainly expect marketers to use AI, because that would make you a better marketer".
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
First consignment of Dasheri mangoes dispatched from Amroha to London
Amroha: First consignment of 1,200 kg of Dasheri mangoes was dispatched from a mango pack house in Amroha district to London, UK on Monday. Amroha district magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats flagged off the shipment. Officials from plant protection and quarantine division of union ministry of agriculture were present at the site to inspect quality and issue necessary clearances. After inspecting the mango pack house, Vats said that the facility is proving beneficial for both farmers and traders. "This is a positive step. Such initiatives ensure direct benefits for cultivators," she added. Ishant Saini, a mango grower, said, "This time, businessmen from London have shown interest in establishing business ties with Amroha. We dispatched the order, and central govt is covering transportation expenses. We have also received orders from the UAE, Japan, and other countries. Mangoes are being sent there as well." Every year, mangoes are regularly exported to countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, the US, and Japan. According to officials, Amroha produces at least 22 lakh tonnes of mangoes annually, cultivated over 12,000 hectares of orchard land. The produce from Amroha is exported mainly to the Gulf and European countries.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GDA seeks central funds for Noida-Ghaziabad metro link
Ghaziabad: Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has taken a fresh initiative to revive Noida Electronic City-Sahibabad metro project — an extension of the Blue Line metro corridor — by suggesting that it should be funded by grants made under 16th Finance Commission. A letter to this effect has been written to the state govt, seeking Rs 2,441 crore. GDA vice chairperson Atul Vats said on Monday, "We have written to UP govt. We have quoted a grant of Rs 2,441 crore, out of which Rs 1,873 crore is for the metro project." O ver 5 lakh people stand to benefit from the project, who for a long time have been demanding metro connectivity through Indirapuram, Vasundhara and Vaishali townships. Vats said, "In line with this, DMRC has also sent a proposal to the central govt for 16 metro corridors in the country, which include the 5km Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad metro corridor. We think that makes a strong case in favour of the said project because not only will it provide much-needed connectivity with Noida, but the corridor will also serve as an extended arm of the Namo Bharat corridor, which passes through Sahibabad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo " As for alignment, the 5km route from Noida Electronic City metro station will have five stations on an elevated platform, which include Vaibhav Khand, DPS Indirapuram and Shakti Khand stations along CISF road, which falls under Indirapuram township. From Kanawani culvert, the route will enter Vasundhara and from passing through Vasundhara, it will end at Sahibabad. An additional two stations — Vasundhara Sector 5 and Sahibabad stations — will cater to the Vasundhara and Vaishali commuters. In the pipeline since 2018, Noida Electronic City to Sahibabad metro corridor could not take off in all these years due to a lack of funds. GDA, in the last seven years, suggested funding patterns, including the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) and urging the central and state govt to fund the project, but all were turned down. In 2018, when the DPR was made, the cost of the project was estimated to be Rs 1,517 crore, which has now increased to Rs 1,873 crore. In a survey conducted last year, the land requirement for the proposed corridor will be 26,691 sqm, of which 7,690 sqm will be private land, which alone will cost Rs 223 crore. The Finance Commission, established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, is a constitutional body that recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the central and state govts every five years. Ghaziabad, like other districts, has been receiving grants annually.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Boy kills friend for ransom in Bokaro, arrested
1 2 Bokaro: A boy, linked to criminals and desperate to get easy money, kidnapped his school friend but later murdered him in a manner so brutal that even police were left stunned. The gruesome crime took place in the Gamen Colony area under the city police station on Thursday. The accused, identified as Aman Kumar Vats, (19), has been arrested. According to police, Vats lured his schoolmate, 19-year-old Debashish Kumar, to a rented house after calling him out of his house. Vats then made Kumar consume a large amount of alcohol. Once Kumar lost consciousness, Vats tied Kumar's hands and feet, recorded a video from the victim's mobile phone, and sent it to his family with a ransom demand of Rs 25 lakh. Later, Vats got scared of being identified and killed Kumar by strangling him. To hide evidence, he buried the body in a tank of the courtyard of the rented house, covered it with soil, and planted a sapling over it to conceal the crime. Police were alerted after the ransom video was shared by Kumar's family. Using mobile surveillance, they quickly tracked and arrested Vats. Bokaro SP Harvinder Singh confirmed Vat's confession to killing his friend. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Simple. Clean. Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo "Based on his statement, we police recovered an iron rod used to dig the grave, as well as the victim's clothes, slippers and liquor bottles from the crime scene," Singh said. Both the accused and the victim were former students of a private and had passed their intermediate exams in 2024. Kumar was preparing for engineering entrance exams while living with his maternal uncle Om Prakash in Sector 3C. His father works in a private company in Odisha. Meanwhile, Vats is a resident of Sector 12A, and his father is employed with the ESL Steel Plant. Kumar's maternal uncle Om Prakash said, "Kumar had left home on June 10 around 2 pm after receiving a call from a friend. His phone was unreachable after that. We registered a missing report on June 11 and later that evening, we received the ransom video. The response by the police led to the recovery of the body and the arrest of Vats." He added, "I believe that such a big crime is not committed by a single youth, police should find the others, too." Preliminary investigations revealed Vats' links with cybercriminals. He had allegedly rented out his bank account to a fraudster, who transferred Rs 11 lakh fraudulently into it. After the account was frozen following a cybercrime by Madhya Pradesh police, Vats was desperate for money, prompting him to commit the heinous crime. Police have seized three mobile phones, an Airtel 4G SIM card, and a 32 GB SanDisk memory card from Vat's possession. Further investigations were underway to identify if Vats had any other accomplices in the crime, the SP added.. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
