The Leela Group scion Amruda Nair's Aiana Hotels partners Ferns Estates for four resorts in Karnataka

Amruda Nair, The Leela Group's scion who went solo with her own company Aiana Hotels & Resorts earlier this year, has partnered Bengaluru-based Ferns Estates & Developers to manage and operate four new resorts in Karnataka. The Doha–based hotel management company (Aiana Hotels & Resorts) was launched in collaboration with Qatari entrepreneur HE Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani (also chairman and CEO of Al Faisal Holding) in March 2015 and the first property under Aiana was to come up in Doha.

Amruda Nair, JMD & CEO

According to Amruda Nair, joint managing director and chief executive officer, Aiana Hotels & Resorts LLC, the association with Ferns Estates & Developers is to develop a portfolio of hotels located in leisure destinations around Karnataka that will feature signature resorts with a distinct sense of tranquillity and a relaxed atmosphere. "We believe there is immense potential in destinations that are driving distance from key cities and are looking forward to expanding our presence in South India with this partnership," said Nair.

Scheduled to open in 2019, the first resort is set in 45 acres of verdant, hilly coffee plantation land in the district of Sakleshpur, approximately three hours away from Bengaluru. While preserving the the natural flora, fauna and topography, the resort will feature 100 villas in the Phase I, set around 5 acres of lake front, uniquely designed using locally sourced material and ethnic architecture. In addition to a full service resort development with recreational, spa and banqueting facilities, holiday home villas will also be sold under a fractional ownership model.

Targeting weekend retreats, other destinations identified by the partners for expansion of the portfolio in Karnataka include a 30 acres site with direct frontage on the river Hemavathi and other hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries within a four hour driving distance from Bengaluru.

Commenting on the partnership, Errol Fernandes, chairman and managing director, The Ferns Group, said the partnership with Aiana Hotels & Resorts will focus on bringing a dynamic, new-offering to the resort market. "This is the first time we are introducing a hybrid business model and believe that Sakleshpur is the perfect destination to announce our first resort. With our combined expertise in service and development and our commitment to innovation, we are confident that our fresh take on resort development will create lasting memories for our guests," said Fernandes.

While Ferns Estates & Developers is a pioneer in the development of gated communities, Aiana Hotels & Resorts is currently working on a number of hotels, resorts and serviced apartments under development. According to company, the properties will be established in the Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and South East Asia.

Sun Pharma receives warning letter for Halol facility

Dilip Shanghvi, managing director, Sun Pharma

Sun Pharmaceutical said it has received a Warning Letter from the US FDA as a result of the September 2014 inspection, for its facility located at Halol, Gujarat in India. The company management has responded to the US FDA inspection observations with a robust remediation process that is still on-going, with significant investments in automation and training to enhance its quality systems. Sun Pharma has been working with external consultants to ensure its remediation activities have been completed in an appropriate manner.

 Commenting on the development, Dilip Shanghvi, managing director, Sun Pharma, said, “While our team is working hard to ensure that the commitments made to the US FDA in September 2014 are fully completed, we will continue to cooperate with the US FDA and undertake any additional steps necessary to ensure that the US Agency is completely satisfied with our remediation of the Halol facility. Sun Pharma has always ensured that its products are safe and effective and there is no doubt on the safety of our products in the market. We are pledged to being cGMP compliant and are committed to continuing to supply our customers and patients across the world with quality products that meet all specifications.”

Since the inspection in September 2014, Sun Pharma has communicated regularly with the US FDA on the progress of its remediation and on issues of product supply. It has provided periodic updates to the US FDA on its commitments. Post the September 2014 inspection, the US FDA has withheld future product approvals from the Halol facility. This situation may continue until all issues are resolved. Sun Pharma expects to request a re-inspection by US FDA upon completion of its remediation commitments.

Sun Pharma and the Halol facility will continue to supply important drug products to meet its obligations to its customers and the patients who use its drugs in the United States and around the world.

Sun Pharma will respond to this Warning Letter with a detailed plan within the stipulated time frame.