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A structure taller than <keyword id="6354539" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dubai">Dubai</keyword>'s iconic 163-floor <keyword id="92239" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Burj-Khalifa">Burj Khalifa</keyword> with a green boulevard bigger than Mumbai's Marine Drive will form part of a new eastern waterfront to be developed on a wasteland in the country's financial capital, to news agency PTI. These grand plans are part of a dream project of Nitin <keyword id="6361025" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gadkari">Gadkari</keyword>, the union minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, who sees the <keyword id="386705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="MUmbai-port">Mumbai Port</keyword> Trust as the "richest landlord" of the city and wants to give a makeover to its huge swathes of industrial wasteland. "In Mumbai, we are the number one landlord. The iconic Taj Hotel, the Ballard Estate, the Reliance building, we (MbPT) are the owners. There are beautiful plans to develop the huge land with the port," Gadkari told PTI. The plans are ready and we are awaiting Centre's nod, the Minister said. "We are not giving our land to the builders and investors. We have plans to develop the area...We are making a green, smart road, three times bigger than the Marine Drive. We plan historic landmark bigger than Burj Khalifa. The plan is ready, we are waiting for the approval from the Cabinet," Gadkari said. MbPT, which was earlier called the Bombay Port Trust, is one of the largest public land holders in Mumbai city and has been operating the port since 1873. It is one of the top 12 major ports in the country. "About 500 hectares is proposed to be developed with a mix of port operations, business, office, commercial, retail, entertainment, community projects and convention centres, etc," a top official said. A key feature of the plan is a 7-km long marine drive between Mazagaon Docks and <keyword id="157686" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Wadala">Wadala</keyword>, much bigger than the existing Marine Drive. The proposed projects also include creation of spaces for community recreation and engagement, maritime museum, marinas etc. Mumbai Port has already invited global tender from consulting firms for master plan and infrastructure design of the port. The Centre had earlier sup a committee under the chairmanship of R Jadhav for preparing a roadmap for development of Port's waterfront and land, which has already been submitted to the Ministry of Shipping. Gadkari said the <keyword id="6390662" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="shipping-ministry">Shipping Ministry</keyword> has plans to develop other ports too. "We are planning development of <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> Port. We are also making smart city at <keyword id="209584" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kandla-Port">Kandla Port</keyword>," he said. The Minister said there was no paucity of resources nor land as there is "one lakh hectares of land" among ports and the government has already come up with ambitious Rs 14 lakh crore Sagarmala project for port-led development of the country. Major ports in India have between them 2.64 lakh acres of land. A blueprint for utilisation of land available with 12 major ports was underway while consultants are also in the process of submitting a report on how to utilise 1.98 lakh acres of submerged land with ports, according to news agency PTI. India's 12 major ports handle approximately 61 per cent of the country's total cargo traffic. The roadmap for port land assumes significance, given a CAG report which observed that major ports had failed to utilise close to half of the total land under their possession. "Land measuring 22,949.82 acres was identified for future activities by ports while 13,045.56 acres were yet to be earmarked for any future activity," the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) had said in a report. According to the audit report on 'Land Management in Major Ports', out of the total land holding of 77,191.14 acres, title deeds were not available for 34,943.41 acres representing 45.27 per cent of the total land portfolio. The 12 major ports are Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, VO Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including <keyword id="54017" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="haldia">Haldia</keyword>). The cabinet last year had approved a policy for award of waterfront and associated land to port dependent industries in major ports.

Now an Indian Burj Khalifa coming up in Mumbai Seafront

<ul><li>Currently, it only takes 4-inches of water for <keyword id="6360847" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="trains">trains</keyword> in <keyword id="6358070" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai">Mumbai</keyword> to succumb to <keyword id="6381692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Engine">engine</keyword> failure. </li><li>The new ‘waterproof’ engine by the <keyword id="6378318" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Central-Railways">Central Railways</keyword> can travel in upto 12-inches of water without the motors being affected. </li></ul>Monsoons have always proven to be a <a href="http://indianexpress.com/photos/india-news/in-pics-mumbai-monsoon-boon-to-some-bane-to-others-rain-5209097/">bane</a> for Mumbai, but a new ‘waterproof’ engine may at least provide the <a href="https://www.thebetterindia.com/145070/mumbai-rains-railways-waterproof-engine/">answer</a> to the transportations woes for locals. The engine, launched by the Central <keyword id="6360676" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="railways">Railways</keyword>, is a modified version that’s capable of running in up to 12-inches of water. Ordinarily, anything beyond 4-inches of water will leave an engine defunct. Historically, whenever the rain rolls in, tracks in Mumbai are submerged in water. So, everyone from salaried employees to businessmen are left stranded on platforms, with nowhere to go. The engine is essentially meant to serve as a solution to end unprecedented delays. It does this by sealing off the motors, so water can’t get to them. Last year, 155 coaches were put out of the service due to the onslaught of rain, according to Sunil Udasi, the Chief Public Relations Officer with the Central Railways when he spoke to the <a href="https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/cover-story/rlys-latest-weapon-for-flooded-tracks/articleshow/64534898.cms">Mumbai Mirror</a>. Train services being disrupted was more or less the norm of the land. (Representative Image)

India’s Central Railways is trying to battle water logging due to rains using a “waterproof” engine

Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days. With their promise of lower emissions and smooth, quiet rides, it’s no wonder that the global demand for EVs has been soaring. However, if you live near the coast — or anywhere prone to flooding — there’s a less-talked-about risk that could make you rethink that shiny new electric car parked in your driveway: saltwater-induced fires from flooded EV batteries. <h2>Saltwater and EV batteries</h2>When it comes to EVs, the heart of the vehicle’s power lies in its battery, usually a lithium-ion (Li-ion) pack. These batteries are highly efficient, but they’re also sensitive to water, especially the salty kind. In September and October 2024, the Southeast U.S. was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused catastrophic flooding. Thousands of homes were damaged, and in a particularly frightening twist, 11 electric cars and 48 lithium-ion batteries caught fire after being exposed to salty floodwaters. Saltwater is a conductor of electricity, which means it can get into the EV battery packs, triggering a dangerous reaction. When water seeps into the battery, it can cause a short-circuit between the battery's terminals, which may lead to overheating, violent fires, and even explosions. In many cases, the fire doesn’t start right away — it can take hours or even days after the exposure before a thermal runaway event occurs, causing a dangerous blaze. Once the fire starts, it’s nearly impossible to put out with regular fire-fighting methods. Firefighters often have no choice but to let the battery burn itself out. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113906136" title="Planning to purchase an EV? Here&amp;#39;s how to ensure it never catches on fire" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In 2022, during Hurricane Ian in Florida, 36 EVs that had been flooded reportedly caught fire, even some that were being towed on flatbed trucks. The problem lies in how lithium-ion batteries react to saltwater. The metal terminals in these batteries, when exposed to salty water, can corrode and build short-circuiting paths that lead to fires days later. The fire hazard remains even in fully discharged batteries, meaning even seemingly "safe" vehicles after flooding could still pose a serious threat. <h2>The risk to coastal cities</h2>This issue is especially concerning for coastal cities where rising sea levels and hurricanes are becoming more frequent. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), <keyword id="381751" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="Orion">electric vehicle</keyword> adoption is growing rapidly in many parts of the world, including India, where EV sales increased by around 50% in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi are embracing EVs due to their environmental benefits and growing infrastructure support. However, these coastal cities are also at higher risk for flooding, making the combination of increased EV adoption and rising sea levels a perfect storm for potential disaster. In fact, areas prone to heavy rains and floods, like India’s coastal cities, are facing unique challenges. The combination of frequent monsoon floods and rising sea levels presents a scenario where more and more EVs could end up submerged in salty floodwaters, increasing the risk of battery fires in the region. <h2>What does this mean for you?</h2>While electric cars are generally safe under normal conditions, the growing risk of battery fires due to flooding is an important factor to consider if you live in flood-prone areas, especially near the sea. The key takeaway here is that EV owners should take extra precautions when natural disasters loom, particularly hurricanes and floods. Here's what you can do to protect your EV: <ul><li>Move your EV to higher ground: If you're in a flood zone, take your EV to higher ground or evacuate it if possible. This will help prevent it from being submerged in salty water.</li><li>Evacuate early: Be proactive and evacuate before the floodwaters hit. Don't wait for the last minute to move your vehicle to safety.</li><li>After the flood, treat submerged EVs with caution: If your EV has been submerged in water, especially saltwater, it’s essential to avoid using it, charging it, or even moving it until it’s been inspected by professionals. Contact the manufacturer for a thorough inspection of the battery.</li><li>Do not attempt DIY fixes: If your vehicle has been exposed to saltwater, do not try to start it, charge it, or fix the battery yourself. The risks of fire are too high, and professionals are trained to handle such situations safely.</li></ul>

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

Starting from Monday, the <keyword id="6354870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Arab-Emirates" source="Orion">United Arab Emirates</keyword> (UAE) will resume issuing tourist visas to those who have been <keyword id="11121292" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fully-vaccinated" source="Orion">fully vaccinated</keyword> against <keyword id="8763838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-19" source="Orion">Covid-19</keyword>. The move comes as the daily number of positive cases continued to drop in the country, having gone lower than 1,000 since last week. The vaccination rate was closing on the 92 per cent mark, the highest in the world after Malta. Both <keyword id="9897456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Federal-Authority-For-Identity-and-Citizenship" source="Orion">Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship</keyword> (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (<keyword id="9500850" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NCEMA" source="Orion">NCEMA</keyword>) jointly announced that application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries who have received the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines. The UAE's official news agency WAM said: "This comes as part of the country's strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth." Travellers who wish to receive the benefits provided to individuals vaccinated in the UAE, like visiting malls and public spaces in Abu Dhabi, can register their vaccination via the ICA platform or Al Hosn application. As of June 3, the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines include AstraZeneca/Oxford/CoviShield, Johnson &amp; Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. WAM added that "passengers arriving on tourist visas must take a mandatory PCR test at the airport". Despite an entry ban, India continued to be the <keyword id="6354539" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dubai" source="Orion">Dubai</keyword> International Airport's) top destination country by traffic volume in the first half of 2021 with passenger numbers exceeding 1.9 million, reported Gulf News. Emirates airlines continues to be the preferred choice of Indians travelling to the US and Canada and Dubai is a convenient place for transit. Earlier this year in March, the UAE Cabinet had approved a five-year multiple entry tourist <keyword id="6359421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="visa" source="Orion">visa</keyword> for all nationalities. Otherwise, the tourist visa is granted for either 30 days or 90 days. Indian citizens with valid visa of the US or UK are also eligible for visa on arrival. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/mumbais-nariman-point-mantralaya-areas-will-be-submerged-by-2050-if-people-dont-wake-up-says-citys-municipal-chief/articleshow/85710647.cms">Mumbai's Nariman point, Mantralaya areas will be submerged by 2050 if people don’t ‘wake up’, says city’s municipal chief</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/enterprise/enterprise-software/news/freshworks-files-for-an-ipo-in-the-us-looks-to-raise-100-million/articleshow/85707900.cms">Freshworks files for an IPO in the US, looks to raise $100 million</a>

UAE to resume issuing tourist visas to fully vaccinated travellers from Monday

<ul><li><keyword id="11942054" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhavinaben-Patel" source="Orion">Bhavinaben Patel</keyword> on Sunday became only the second Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics.</li><li>She beat Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the women's singles <keyword id="57201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="table-tennis" source="Orion">table tennis</keyword> class 4 final here.</li><li>Patel, a <keyword id="5394517" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wheelchair-player" source="Orion">wheelchair player</keyword>, had also suffered a loss to Zhou, one of the most decorated para-paddlers of China, in her first group stage match earlier in the week.</li></ul>Bhavinaben Patel on Sunday became only the second Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics after she signed off with a historic silver following a 0-3 loss to world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the women's singles table tennis class 4 final here. The 34-year-old Patel's impressive run at the Games ended with a fighting 7-11 5-11 6-11 loss to Zhou, a two-time gold medallist, in the women's singles summit clash which lasted 19 minutes. With this medal, Indian team opened its account at the Games. Deepa Malik, who is the current president of Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), was the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympic Games when she had claimed a silver in shotput at Rio five years back. Patel, a wheelchair player, had also suffered a loss to Zhou, one of the most decorated para-paddlers of China, in her first group stage match earlier in the week. Up against an opponent, who has five Paralympic medals to her name including gold medals in singles at Beijing and London, Patel seemed to struggle as she couldn't execute her strategy and was left to do the catch up job. Zhou, a six-time World Championship medallist, didn't allow Patel, currently ranked 12th in her division, to find her angled returns and get into a rally. In the first game, Zhou broke off from 3-3 to move ahead. Patel tried to keep herself within touching distance with a superb serve at 5-7 and a forehand flick but the Chinese managed to earn the bragging right with a deep push at the baseline. The second game was a one-way traffic as Zhou jumped to a 7-1 lead early on. Patel narrowed it down to 4-7 but the Chinese soon grabbed a 2-0 lead. Pushed to the brink, Patel tried to script a recovery as she moved neck and neck with her opponent till 5-5 in the third game. But Zhou once again moved ahead and sealed the contest with a backhand shot. Patel, who was diagnosed with polio when she was 12 months old, had defeated world no 3 Miao Zhang of China 7-11 11-7 11-4 9-11 11-8 in the semifinal on Saturday. In the quarterfinal on Friday, Patel had defeated 2016 Rio Paralympics gold medallist and world number two Borislava Peric Rankovic of Serbia to assure herself a medal and script history. In para table tennis, classes 1-5 are for wheelchair athletes. Athletes in Class 4 category have fair sitting balance and fully functional arms and hands. Their impairment may be due to a lower spinal-cord lesion or cerebral palsy. Patel started playing the sport 13 years ago at the Blind People's Association at Vastrapur area of Ahmedabad where she was a student of ITI for people with disabilities. There, she saw visually impaired children playing table tennis and decided to take up the sport. She won her first medal in a competition while representing Rotary Club in Ahmedabad, where she is settled now after her marriage to Nikunj Patel, who has played junior cricket for Gujarat. She reached world number two ranking in 2011 after winning a <keyword id="6360488" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="silver-medal" source="Orion">silver medal</keyword> for India in PTT Thailand Table Tennis Championship. In October 2013, Patel won another silver in the women's singles Class 4 at the Asian Para table tennis championships in Beijing. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/mumbais-nariman-point-mantralaya-areas-will-be-submerged-by-2050-if-people-dont-wake-up-says-citys-municipal-chief/articleshow/85710647.cms">Mumbai's Nariman point, Mantralaya areas will be submerged by 2050 if people don’t ‘wake up’, says city’s municipal chief</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/enterprise/enterprise-software/news/freshworks-files-for-an-ipo-in-the-us-looks-to-raise-100-million/articleshow/85707900.cms">Freshworks files for an IPO in the US, looks to raise $100 million</a>

Tokyo Paralympics: Paddler Bhavinaben Patel wins historic silver in women's singles table tennis

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6355014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-high-court">Delhi High Court</keyword> suggested that India’s national capital use drones to monitor water logged areas of the city to reduce traffic congestion and conduct water harvesting. </li><li>In Mumbai, the <keyword id="66416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Western-Railways">Western Railways</keyword> are also using drones to monitor train tracks that are prone to flooding. </li><li>The government will use contractors to deploy camera drones, which will send back pictures from areas deemed vulnerable to <keyword id="52295" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="waterlogging">waterlogging</keyword> and flooding. </li></ul>Every year the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-mystery-of-indias-erratic-monsoon-can-be-found-in-the-indian-ocean/articleshow/69215027.cms">monsoon rolls in</a> and India’s major cities, Mumbai and Delhi, are left flooded and water logged in the aftermath. Underpasses are submerged, potholes turn into mines that cars have to navigate through; and lack of drainage systems turns roads into swimming pools. This year, the <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/india/delhi-high-court-suggests-use-of-drones-to-identify-water-logging-sites-in-city-during-monsoon-2231843.html">Delhi High Court</a> suggested that the city rope drones to identify and keep an eye on the areas in the city that are vulnerable to excessive water collection. This will help take care of traffic congestion as well as water logging, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/drone-cams-to-help-wr-stay-on-track-during-rains/articleshow/69299444.cms">The Western Railways</a> in Mumbai too has learnt lessons from last year. It has already contracted drones to keep an eye on the Virar-Nalasopara area, which is prone to water logging. Technology vs the monsoon Drones are already used to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mumbai-must-brace-for-floods-this-week-says-a-private-weather-forecaster/articleshow/70029004.cms">predict</a> weather patterns and rainfall. But, this is the first time that the governments are using drones for traffic surveillance and keep a check on water logging. In Delhi, the two-judge bench of Justice GS Sistani and Justice Jyoti Singh said, "We have no hesitation in saying that all the departments would cooperate with each other to ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced during the coming monsoon." The contractors selected by the government will deploy drones with cameras to areas that are known to be vulnerable, and send images back to the data collection point. The operators at the data centers will then decide whether or not there is a risk of water logging at the moment and plan the next action. Before deploying any drones, the police has to approve the use of air space. So far, the Western Railways has only gotten permission for the Virar-Nalasopara area even though other stretches like Frant Road, Prabhadevi, Dadar and Bandra-Khar are also flood prone areas. Too much water or not enough In Delhi, the monsoon is a double-edged sword. There’s waterlogging, on the one hand, and a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/every-household-in-india-will-get-water-supply-by-2024-under-the-jal-jeevan-mission-says-nirmala-sitharaman/articleshow/70086396.cms">shortage of water</a>, on the other. The Delhi High Court has suggested that the city use the opportunity of monsoons to harvest water in water clogged areas, to hit two birds with one stone. The Indian Court took up the issue of water logging on its own, to point out how the resulting traffic congestion leads to loss of time. It also backs up emergency services, and idle engines at traffic jams cause massive air pollution. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tatas-seeks-permit-to-test-drones-after-zomato-swiggy-and-others/articleshow/70025800.cms">Tatas seeks permit to test drones after Zomato, Swiggy and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flying-drones-in-india-may-be-legal-but-that-doesnt-mean-youre-getting-doorstep-deliveries/articleshow/66932352.cms">Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries</a>

Drones are going to help unclog India’s water logged cities this monsoon

<ul><li>We caught up with <keyword id="1988206" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dheeraj-Sinha">Dheeraj Sinha</keyword>, CEO &amp; Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia, <keyword id="131262" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Leo-Burnett">Leo Burnett</keyword> to talk about all that has been happening at the agency, how they have been coping in these difficult times.</li><li>Sinha told us all that is being done to make sure its employees are safe and motivated and its clients get the most effective solutions to their problems.</li><li>He also gives some advice to brands on how to navigate these times. </li></ul>The past one year has been challenging for people the world over. It has been the same for organizations that had to pivot overnight, start functioning remotely and ensure the safety, and sanity of their employees. For <keyword id="35666" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="advertising">advertising</keyword> agencies, that thrive on brainstorming together and the resultant camaraderie, things were obviously challenging and while many agencies have been called out for not being able to empathize with their people, there were a few agencies that got it right too. For Leo Burnett, a few of the pivots they had been bringing about in the agency in the past 2-3 years worked in its favor. The year 2020, despite being a difficult year, saw the agency lose zero clients, bring home quite a few awards and come up with work that was noticed and loved. Dheeraj Sinha, CEO &amp; Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia, Leo Burnett gives the credit for a good performance amidst such gloom to the culture the agency has been able to build in the past few years. “We all know what the agency of the future is going to be. It will be about solving our clients’ real-time problems, not just with advertising but with the combined use of creativity, data and technology. But I feel what really prepares us for the uncertain future is the culture we are able to build. In terms of culture, the agency of the future has to be really flat and everybody has to be a creator. But if you have an agency with an ingrained culture of resilience, of people coming together, fighting together and making things happen, we will be able to succeed, because frankly, we don't really know what tomorrow might throw at us,” he said. As a leader, Sinha has been working towards building and strengthening this culture that he speaks about. Not wanting to restrict itself to just a creative workshop, the agency has been focusing on creating full-funnel solutions for its clients. A recent example is its campaign for <keyword id="6568790" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="acko-insurance">ACKO Insurance</keyword> where it created StreetEye, a motorcycle-mounted device to detect submerged potholes in real-time. Designed and developed by the Leo Burnett team, StreetEye tried to solve one of India’s age-old issues – pothole-related accidents. The agency has also launched three specialized divisions – Leo Burnett Digital, Consult and Design, to give clients exactly the solutions they are looking for. Building a culture also includes how you treat your employees and Sinha says his focus also has been to keep everyone motivated through the last one year, when everyone has had to stay at home. “The biggest job in a people’s business like advertising is to keep our people’s energies up. I sometimes feel I'm the Chief Energy Officer of Leo Burnett and not the Chief Executive Officer,” he said with a laugh. Over the last year, the agency has come up with frameworks such as 0-3-6, a short- term thinking model to help brands and businesses navigate the not just the immediate (0) but the next three and six months. It has also conducted over 50 workshops for clients. Sinha has also been having conversations with different people from his team which he has named ‘Chai Pe Charcha’, to make sure he is able to have a connect with employees who he does not talk to on a daily basis. Sinha also said that democratizing leadership has had an important impact on how the culture at the agency is shaping up. “As soon as we entered the pandemic last year, we created a platform for our top 50 leaders. We meet every Tuesday and discuss all kinds of issues. We discuss business, new business, people issues, and a lot of the decisions are taken jointly. If we're going through an issue, it's not one person's decision, rather, the decisions are being owned by a larger culture or a larger group of people. And that to my mind has gone a long way because everybody had a contribution and a say in the direction that agency was headed and in the decisions that we should be taking. And whenever we were in trouble, I would always call upon people and people have stood up and fought and we’ve together won the day,” he explained. When asked what one of his biggest lessons from the last one year has been, he said, “You need to lead from the front. You cannot ask people to do things that you would never do yourself. You have to lead from the front, you have to be out in the trenches because there’s no way of replicating the amount of camaraderie and strength in culture that builds.” He feels it is a combination of all these factors that helps the agency sail through, relatively unscathed from the turbulence of 2020. “If you look at our revenue performance in 2020, we weren’t more than 5-6% short than say 2019, which in a year like 2020 is really good. Despite the lockdown, we won around 20 new business pitches, we created close to 1000 pieces of work, we conducted 0-3-6 workshops. In fact, we were India's number one agency at APAC Effies and at <keyword id="250856" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="AdFest">Adfest</keyword>. I would attribute all of these achievements to the culture we’ve managed to create at Leo Burnett,” he said. On how he anticipates the current wave will impact advertising budgets overall, Sinha said, “I feel most of us right now are going to wait and watch, in terms of how this situation pans out. I feel there are two possible scenarios. If we are able to bring the situation under control, say by the end of May in places like Mumbai, I feel it would lead to a postponement of budgets and demand. But if it goes longer and deeper, that is when we will see budget cuts. We might also see some demand vanish.” Considering the times we are living in where there is immense suffering all around us, what does he think is the correct approach for brands, considering for many people, ads might be the last thing on their minds at the moment! “If you're a brand, large or small, and you have a stake in the Indian consumer market, you're on TV, Digital, you're playing advertising and selling your products, you have to have a stake in what's going on at this point in time. You have to be on ground and help. I have this whole idea of brands being socio-capitalist where, of course, you are a part of the consumer economy but you should also focus on how you can help. Can you help with oxygen, medicines, food, contribution, entertainment or information? And if you can, this is the time for you to help, you have to play your part as a responsible corporate citizen,” he said.

You Searched For "mumbai to be submerged" and got 7 results

Now an Indian Burj Khalifa coming up in Mumbai Seafront

BI India Bureau

India’s Central Railways is trying to battle water logging due to rains using a “waterproof” engine

Prabhjote Gill

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

BI India Bureau

UAE to resume issuing tourist visas to fully vaccinated travellers from Monday

IANS

Tokyo Paralympics: Paddler Bhavinaben Patel wins historic silver in women's singles table tennis

PTI

Drones are going to help unclog India’s water logged cities this monsoon

Prabhjote Gill

This is the time for brands to play their part as responsible corporate citizens: Dheeraj Sinha, Leo Burnett

Samarpita Banerjee

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