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Om Birla: World Sees India as a Key Investment Destination

Speaker says India’s democracy and growth draw global confidence

Published

11 months ago

November 4, 2025

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that the world is increasingly looking to invest in India, drawn by its vibrant democracy, rapid economic expansion, and technological prowess. Speaking at the 125th Anniversary Celebrations of the Bharat Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, themed “India@100: An Age of a New Dawn,” Birla said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is steadily advancing towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to building a business-friendly environment, driven by the principles of minimum government, maximum governance. The administration, he said, is focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles, expanding industrial capacity, and encouraging innovation. Birla also urged the private sector to invest more in research and development (R&D) and strive to meet global standards, assuring that the government will complement such efforts to strengthen India’s innovation-led growth.

Praising the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Birla called it a source of inspiration for business chambers across India. He lauded its 125-year legacy of resilience, foresight, and public service, recalling its origins as the Marwari Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, he noted, has played a key role in India’s industrial, social, and economic transformation and in promoting corporate social responsibility.

Birla observed that India’s success as a democracy lies in its stability, inclusiveness, and deep cultural roots. “Democracy in India is not just a system of governance, but a way of life,” he said, adding that the nation’s robust institutions ensure policy continuity and investor confidence, both crucial for long-term growth.

He stressed that where democracy thrives, sound policy decisions and effective implementation follow, creating a foundation for sustainable development. Birla also highlighted India’s rise as a global innovation hub, driven by strong public–private partnerships in technology and R&D, which are propelling India into leadership positions in emerging industries.

Touching on inclusive growth, Birla noted that the increasing participation of women and youth reflects India’s social transformation. He highlighted women’s growing role across sectors and said they will remain pivotal in shaping a self-reliant and developed India. Similarly, he praised India’s youth and entrepreneurs for driving creativity, enterprise, and innovation, shaping the country’s future with energy and vision.

Reaffirming the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Birla called for stronger collaboration among industry, government, and academia to build a resilient, self-sustaining economy. He also underlined India’s emerging leadership in clean and green energy, expressing confidence that the country will play a leading role in addressing climate and environmental challenges globally.

Acknowledging West Bengal’s historical contribution to India’s growth, Birla said the state has long been a cradle of intellectual, cultural, and industrial excellence. He noted that Bengal has produced eminent thinkers, reformers, poets, and industrialists, and continues to inspire the nation with its enduring spirit of innovation and enterprise.

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JSW Cement Commissions 1 MTPA Unit in Rajasthan

Rajasthan grinding capacity rises to 3.50 MTPA after commissioning

Published

2 days ago

October 9, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 MTPA cement grinding unit in Nagaur, Rajasthan, taking the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.1 MTPA. The commissioning was announced on Tuesday, October 6.

The company said the new unit had increased the total cement grinding capacity at its Rajasthan plant to 3.50 MTPA. The expansion adds to JSW Cement’s production infrastructure as it continues to build capacity across its operating network.

The company’s total clinker manufacturing capacity, including capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA. Clinker is an intermediate material used in cement production, and its availability supports the company’s grinding operations.

JSW Cement is also pursuing a proposed merger of its listed subsidiary Shiva Cement with the company. The scheme, approved by the boards of the respective companies, involves issuing five fully paid-up JSW Cement equity shares for every 41 shares held by Shiva Cement shareholders other than JSW Cement.

The arrangement remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. JSW Cement currently holds 66.23 per cent of Shiva Cement’s paid-up equity share capital, and the shares held by JSW Cement in the subsidiary will be cancelled under the proposal without any issue of JSW Cement shares against that holding.

The scheme has an appointed date of April 1, 2026, and the company has indicated that completion could take 12 to 14 months, depending on the receipt of approvals. These include clearances from stock exchanges, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the National Company Law Tribunal and other applicable authorities, along with approvals from shareholders and creditors where required. JSW Cement shares closed at Rs. 113.15 on the BSE, up Rs. 2.05, or 1.85 per cent.

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Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit in Rajasthan

The Nagaur expansion takes JSW Cement’s total grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA.

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 million tonne per annum (MTPA) cement grinding unit at its Nagaur Integrated Plant in Rajasthan. The commissioning takes the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA.

JSW Cement’s total clinker manufacturing capacity, including its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, now stands at 9.74 MTPA.

The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the latest expansion, the plant’s total grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA.

The additional capacity will cater to cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a combination of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2026, JSW Cement also commissioned an Alternate Fuel Handling System and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) at the Nagaur plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said the additional grinding capacity was a strategic priority for the company’s expansion in North India. He added that the Alternate Fuel Handling System and WHRS were expected to reduce production costs.