Author: Rabindra

Bayside Corporations, Targets Sales of 100 Crore in Indian Luxury Real Estate Market

17th July 2024  Goa, India  Bayside Corporations (BCS), the boutique real estate consultancy firm with its offices in Goa and Noida (UP) has announced a sales target worth Rs 100 crore in the current financial year. The boutique real estate consultancy firm which is amongst the top real estate brokerage firms operating in India, and excels in selling luxury real estate across Goa, has announced its expansion plans to enter Noida (UP) and Chandigarh (Punjab). The firm is also in talks with top real estate developers based out of Dubai (UAE) and will soon be announcing the collaborations in the coming few weeks.

Bayside Corporations, which has been actively involved in the real estate market in India for over a decade through its multiple subsidiaries, has now taken the initiative to front-end the brokerage division under its brand and is aggressively scouting for developers across Goa, Noida (UP) and Chandigarh (Punjab) to collaborate and help them market and sell their properties better through its huge network of BCS partners across India.

A spokesperson for the firm informed, “At BCS, we have been actively engaged in multiple aspects of Real estate, which starts from marketing, managing and creation of data, stress funding, developing reports and researches, to investing in land deals. With the buoyancy in Indian luxury real estate market, the firm strongly believes that the Indian buyers are now ready to invest in aspirational properties and requires the right guidance by professionals. Hence the firm has now decided to invest and transact in luxury real estate in 3 different markets of Indian real estate sector.”

BCS has a firm network of thousands of channel partners across multiple regions who have helped the firm sell real estate and it also provides end-to-end marketing and selling services which are very critical to any real estate company or project. The firm has strong expansion plans for the Indian luxury real estate market and will continue expanding in the coming months.

HRKatha, India’s First HR News Platform to Deliver Daily HR News Unveils a Bold New Brand Identity and Exciting Plans for the Future

17th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  HRKatha, Asia’s leading HR publication, today unveiled a dynamic new brand identity and website design to mark its 10th anniversary and strengthen its leadership position in the HR news industry.

The fresh look features a modern, lowercase typeface for ‘hrkatha’ that strikes a balance between approachability and professionalism. The cleverly designed ‘hr’ portion serves a dual purpose: a unique symbol and an integrated part of the brand name. Upon closer inspection, the ‘hr’ reveals a subtle ‘1’ signifying HRKatha’s leadership position in the HR news landscape. The flowing lines then evolve into an ‘h’ and an ‘r’, resembling a fountain – a symbol of growth, progress, and continual forward motion. The design culminates in a diamond at the top, representing achievement and leadership in professional life. Subtly, the combined ‘hr’ and diamond evoke a human figure with open arms, celebrating success and growth.

Accompanying the visual transformation is the new tagline, ‘Crafting Human Potential’. This tagline underscores HRKatha’s unwavering commitment to helping individuals discover and unleash their full potential.

The vibrant color palette reflects the brand’s core values with purple signifying creativity, green representing growth, blue symbolising trust, pink conveying excellence, and yellow representing joy and happiness. This spectrum also represents the diversity and inclusivity that are central to HRKatha’s mission of serving the ever-evolving HR sector.

“This fresh visual identity, characterized by its inclusivity and vibrant colors, symbolizes our commitment to continuous evolution and innovation,” said Prajjal Saha, Founder & Editor, HRKatha. “We’re dedicated to enhancing the reader experience and engagement with HRKatha. We believe this new look will not only captivate the senses but also elevate user interaction with our platform to new heights.”

HRKatha enlisted Visual Brand Consultant Mandy Kulkarni to oversee the transformation of their brand identity and revamp their website. “My vision was to create a brand experience that feels fresh with discerning symbolism, visually striking, and celebrates the ‘vibrant people’ aspect of the HR community,” shares Mandy Kulkarni.

In addition to the visual overhaul, HRKatha has ambitious plans for the year ahead. With a renewed focus on producing powerful content, HRKatha aims to deliver even more relevant, unbiased and compelling stories for the HR industry while staying true to its core journalistic ethos. The platform will supercharge its content, offering unparalleled insights into the ever-changing HR landscape, addressing pressing issues such as building employer brands in the digital age, navigating the AI economy, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Furthermore, HRKatha is set to announce five power-packed business events and awards spread throughout Asia, each delving into a distinct facet of HR excellence. These events will spotlight on the emerging trends and challenges shaping the HR landscape and offer valuable platforms for industry leaders to connect, share best practices, and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field.

HRKatha’s pioneering spirit continues – it was the first platform in India to deliver daily HR news. Today, it boasts an impressive readership of 400,000 per month, with 2 million page views. With its dynamic new brand identity and ambitious plans for the future, HRKatha remains committed to being the leading resource for HR professionals across Asia.

European Cheese ‘Full Of Character’ Campaign Grows Stronger, Enters Its Second Year

17th July 2024  Delhi, India  The French Dairy Board (CNIEL), with aid from the European Union, representing an exquisite variety of authentic French cheese, is back with year two of its ‘Full of Character’ campaign in India. The campaign aims in 2024 to continue celebrating the rich heritage, exceptional quality, and irresistible flavors of French cheeses.

In 2023, ‘Full of Character’ was a delightful adventure that captivated the hearts and palates of cheese lovers across India. The immersive events and experiences such as in-store promotions, and culinary workshops led by best-awarded cheesemonger François Robin were well-received. This good response has motivated the forum to continue the delicious journey of European cheeses. And cheese lovers across the country can gear up for more such exciting events and engagement opportunities in this second year.

The French Dairy Board will be organizing workshops, tastings, and masterclasses led by cheese experts and popular chefs, to help deepen the understanding and appreciation for cheese varieties. Expect wider reach via collaborations with retailers. All these events and experiences showcase the use of cheese from France in traditional Indian and contemporary dishes.

Sustainability and responsible production are key for the ‘Full of Character’ campaign. The French Dairy Board is committed to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. It is also committed to partnering with trusted farmers and cheesemakers who uphold the values of authenticity and respect for the environment.

Emilie Martin, Managing Director APAC at CNIEL, says, “We are grateful for the response we received in the first year of ‘Full of Character” and are excited to continue sharing our love for exceptional quality cheeses from France with more and more cheese enthusiasts and lovers in India. ‘Full of Character’ is not only a tribute to the flavours and quality of European cheese varieties but also to the art of cheesemaking. We’re also focused on raising more awareness about the significance of supporting sustainable and responsible cheese production.”

Lastly, the second year of ‘Full of Character’ is getting even tastier by encouraging cheese lovers on social media to share their love for European cheeses using #EnjoyitsfromEurope #FullofCharacter on Facebook and Instagram. Think mouthwatering recipes, experiences, and more!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Nuvoco Vistas Corp Achieves Highest-ever Profitability with Consolidated EBITDA at Rs. 1,657 Crores and PAT at Rs. 147 Crores

17th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., a leading building materials Company in India, announced its audited financial results for the year ended March 31, 2024. With 25 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the fifth largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India.

The Company’s consolidated cement sales volume stood at 18.8 MMT in FY24. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs. 10,733 crores, during the same period. Consolidated EBITDA improved by 35% YoY to Rs. 1,657 crores. Further, the company reduced net debt by Rs. 384 crores YoY to Rs. 4,030 crores, resulting in Net debt / EBITDA of 2.4x.

This year marked the successful commissioning of a 1.2 MMTPA Grinding unit at the Haryana Cement Plant, marking a significant milestone in our expansion. The development has enhanced North share in the total company’s capacity from 20% to 24% and will further solidify our footprint in the region. The company completed debottlenecking projects at Risda and Nimbol Plants, which has resulted in a notable increase in clinker capacity.

The Company remains dedicated to its strategic imperative in premiumization and has expanded its premium products Duraguard F2F and Concreto Uno, into the markets of West Bengal and Jharkhand. Concreto Uno’s unique water-repelling properties and damp lock formula address the ever-changing needs of the construction industry.

The Company made significant strides in sustainability efforts under its ‘Protect Our Planet’ agenda with a reduction in carbon emissions by ~2% YoY to 454 kg CO2 per ton of cementitious materials1, reaffirming our position amongst the industry leaders in low carbon emissions. The Alternate Fuel Rate (AFR mix) saw an impressive improvement, increasing to 13% in FY24 from 9% in FY23, amongst the best in the industry. The Company also increased its solar power capacity to 5.3 MW in FY24 from 1.5 MW in FY23.

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., stated, “The Company enhanced its operational efficiencies and delivered strong growth in EBITDA and PAT despite a volatile demand environment during FY24, achieving the highest profitability. Our commendable operational outcomes reflect our dynamic and efficient strategy focused on premiumisation and cost optimisation. Moving to FY25, our strategies focus on growth, expanding our market presence, and extracting more volumes from home markets while continuing our thrust on efficiency improvement initiatives.”

Furthermore, he added, “The additional capacity in Haryana allows us to expand our market presence in the North while maintaining our leadership in the East. We have also seized the opportunity to grow our Ready- Mix Concrete business, commissioning seven new plants this fiscal year, bringing the total to 58 plants pan-India.”

Mumbai Art Fair 2024: A Visual Delight Awaits with 300 Artists and 3000 Exquisite Artworks from 3rd to 5th May

17th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Mumbai Art Fair, the premier platform for emerging talent in the Indian art scene, is set to return for its highly anticipated 5th Edition from 3rd May to 5th May 2024. Hosted at the centrally located Nehru Centre, Discovery of India Building in Worli, the art fair promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and diversity in contemporary art. From established artists to emerging talents, regardless of age or qualification, artworks spanning from Ladakh to Kanyakumari will be showcased. This year’s extravaganza will feature 300 artists and exhibit a diverse range of around 3000 paintings from across the country. From landscapes to portraits, abstracts, realism, cityscapes, and religious paintings, the artworks will present a myriad of styles and subjects, imbued with profound meanings.

The Mumbai Art Fair will host three mesmerizing evenings where art and music converge in a harmonious symphony known as the “Fusion Show.” On the first day, artist Prakash Bal Joshi’s captivating canvases will be painted with vivid tales, accompanied by the timeless melodies of flutist Girish Kulkarni. On the second day, the delicate tones of Ajinkya More’s Jaltarang will intertwine with the captivating paintings of Prof. Surendra Jagtap. This mega show will culminate with a soul-stirring sitar performance by Zaminali Khan, as artist Gautam Das translates the melodies into live art. All events will be accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ace tabla player Tushar Pawar.

Mr. Rajendra Patil, Director Mumbai Art Fair shared, “Since its inception, Mumbai Art Fair has been dedicated to nurturing and promoting emerging artists, providing them with a platform to exhibit their work, expand their network, and gain visibility in the art world. This year, the fair continues its tradition of supporting young talent with 300 artists from across India showcasing around 3000 diverse range of artworks, including seascapes, landscapes, rural and urban scenarios, portraits, wildlife art, and abstract works.”

The ground floor of the Discovery of India Building will house 75 air-conditioned booths, where attendees can explore a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. Participating galleries include Beyond the Canvas, Bouquet of Art Gallery, Dev Mehta Art Gallery, Studio3 Art Gallery, and Greyscale from Mumbai, as well as Artecious Gallery, Aura Planet, Meraki Art House from Delhi, and Arpitam Kala Mandir from Kolkata.

Among the notable artists exhibiting at this year’s fair are Shruti Challani, Rohan Sonavane, Monalisa Parekh, Prateek Kushwah, Dev Mehta, Beena Surana, Om Thadkar, Jenaifer Daruwala, Vijay Kumavat, Ashwin Kumar, Soumen Kar, Gautam Das, Akshata Shetty, and Gautam Patole. Their works span a wide range of styles and genres, from vibrant figurative paintings to minimalist and symbolic works, as well as unique stylized pieces and realistic compositions with stunning details.

Visitors to the fair can expect to be captivated by a diverse array of artworks, including vibrant figurative paintings by Purvi Lohana, Niyati Amlani, Dr. Lekshmi Sukumaran, and Manoj Das, as well as the chance-but-orchestrated effect works of Jenaifer Daruwala. Symbolic works with minimalist style will be showcased by artists such as Shruti Challani, Rashmi Pote, Samta Gala, Rakhi Sarmah, Stella Fernandes, Anavi Chawla, and Pallavi Singh, while sculptors like Rohan Sonavane and Soumen Kar will present their unique creations in metal.

Other highlights of the fair include realistic works with stunning details by Prashant B Ghaywat, spiritual artworks by Monalisa Parekh and Shivani Banerjee, and abstract paintings by Lalita Sonavane, Neha Jhunjhunwala, Atul Bhalerao, Divya Kotak, Kailas Kale, and Prakash Bal Joshi.

Additionally, artists Dev Mehta, Beena Surana, Om Thakkar, Arpita Shah, Vijay Kumavat, Jiya Phulphagar, Sneha Kamthe, Saket Arbhi, and Ujjayni Pawar will be exhibiting works in monochromatic tints, mostly black and white, focusing on elements such as composition, value, lighting, and form.

Landscape painting enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire at the fair, with themes ranging from abstract landscapes to floral, romantic, pastoral, seasonal springs, buildings and structures, waterscapes, and cityscapes. Mixed media works by late artists Prabhu Joshi and Ujjwala Surwade, as well as flowerscapes by Lakshika Bhola and Deepal Bhat, and semi-abstract landscapes with defused light by Rupali Mansinghka, will be among the many offerings available.

In addition to providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, the Mumbai Art Fair offers attendees a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the purely pious and spiritual expressions of the artists, as well as narrative storytelling through various works.

By returning each year with a diverse range of artists and artworks, Mumbai Art Fair aims to create a stable platform for all kinds of art, catering to the passion and investment needs of art buyers and lovers in Mumbai.

TVS Motor Company Registers Sales Growth of 25 percent in April 2024

17th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  TVS Motor Company registered a growth of 25% with sales increasing from 306,224 units in April 2023 to 383,615 units in April 2024.

Two-Wheeler

Total two-wheelers registered a growth of 27% with sales increasing from 294,786 units in the month of April 2023 to 374,592 units in April 2024. Domestic two-wheeler registered growth of 29% with sales increasing from 232,956 units in April 2023 to 301,449 units in April 2024.

Motorcycles registered a growth of 24% with sales increasing from 152,365 units in April 2023 to 188,110 units in April 2024. Scooter registered a growth of 34% with sales increasing from 107,496 units in April 2023 to 144,126 units in April 2024.

Electric Vehicle

The new Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 came into effect in April 2024 after FAME II ended in March 2024. Ensuring a smooth transition, TVS Motor recorded electric vehicle sales of 17,403 units in April 2024, indicating continued robust demand. Electric vehicle sales last year in April 2023 were at 6,227 units.

International Business

The Company’s total exports registered a growth of 12% with sales increasing from 71,663 units in April 2023 to 80,508 units in April 2024. Two-wheeler exports registered a growth of 18% with sales increasing from 61,830 units in April 2023 to 73,143 units in April 2024.

Three-Wheeler

Three-wheelers of the Company registered sales of 9,023 units in April 2024 as against 11,438 units in April 2023.

Postcard Travel Club Introduces an Interests-Based Search Engine for Conscious Travelers

17th July 2024  Delhi, India  With a mission to simplify how travelers discover boutique properties and immersive experiences, Postcard Travel Club launched its unique interests-based search engine on May 1, 2024. A feature for conscious travelers, it supports value-aligned individuals and in three simple steps connects them with a global community of boutique properties committed to advancing responsible travel. This ensures that travelers save time, stay inspired while researching, build direct connections, and focus on immersive experiences hassle-free.

“Postcard Travel Club is changing the way conscious travelers discover and book their next mindful adventure,” says Amit Jaipuria, Founder and CEO. “Our new interest-based search engine empowers conscious travelers to effortlessly find boutique properties and immersive experiences tailored to their unique interests and values. By seamlessly connecting travelers to curated, value-aligned offerings, we’re positioning Postcard Search as a search engine for mindful travel and inspiration. Our mission is to make mindful travel more accessible and rewarding than ever before.”

Within the platform, Postcard Travel Club’s innovative digital postcards showcase experiences and properties in a new and easy-to-read short-form media format. Each digital postcard includes one or two interest tags, streamlining the search process by matching the experiences to traveler interests. These postcards can be collected and referenced easily, offering a more efficient and personalized way to plan travel than traditional search engines that need users to sift through SEO-driven articles.

Looking ahead, Postcard Travel Club plans to expand its offerings with map-based search, a rewards and loyalty program, and AI integration. This will help Postcard Travel Club serve as a change-maker in the mindful travel community. The brand also aims to bring together a community of like-minded conscious travelers through new media launches including ‘Postcards From The Field’ and immersive on-ground meet-ups and events such as ‘Postcard Travel Talks’.

Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) 2024 Opens for Application

17th July 2024  Singapore  In an era where talk of sustainability often exceeds impactful action, Singapore’s Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) and its partners have embarked on a mission to spotlight businesses that are leading by example. The third iteration of Steward Leadership 25 (SL25) aims to honor projects that embody the essence of steward leadership by merging profitable growth with solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Steward leadership, characterized by a deep-seated commitment to fostering a brighter future for stakeholders, society, future generations, and the environment, is not merely a noble pursuit but a strategic business imperative. It seeks to establish an optimal approach to growth, marrying profit and purpose and achieving prosperity that benefits employees, shareholders, and society alike.

Open to for-profit entities of all sizes and sectors, SL25 welcomes submissions of projects that have generated positive societal and environmental impacts. The application ends 15 May 2024. Last year’s cohort showcased a diverse array of projects from 14 countries, led by companies operating in sectors ranging from financial services and transportation to food and beverage and real estate.

Past honourees have focused on serving underprivileged communities. For instance, Tata Consultancy Services has improved digital access and literacy to youths and seniors, contributing more than S$40,000 worth of laptops and wi-fi connections to underprivileged students to relieve COVID-19 challenges, benefitting more than 150 students in Singapore.

India’s leading consumer goods company, Marico, underscores the importance of environmental stewardship and generates sustainable livelihoods. Among their initiatives is a social value creation program, Parachute Kalpavriksha, which equips farmers with scientific and climate-resilient farming methods to promote sustainable agriculture while improving their productivity and income generation opportunities.

Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of SAC, remarked, “Everyone is talking about sustainability, yet we are not making enough progress. We at SAC have found champions who are quietly creating a powerful impact on society and the environment through their businesses. SL25 recognises these champions of steward leadership.”

The previous iterations of SL25 have brought to light a variety of impactful projects, and the expectation for 2024 is no different. Annisah Smith, Senior Research & Engagement Manager at SAC, shared, “With the growing adoption of steward leadership principles across corporates and SMEs in the region, I’m eagerly anticipating the innovative projects ahead. I’m excited to witness the transformative effects these initiatives will have on communities and the wider Asia-Pacific area.”

The top 25 projects will be showcased at the Steward Leadership Summit 2024 in Singapore, SAC’s flagship event that convenes business leaders, global experts, and eminent speakers to discuss and promote the concept and practice of steward leadership.

SL25 is proudly supported by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP), Family Business Association (Australia & New Zealand), The Family Business Advisors Association Japan (FBAA), Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (IDCM), Indonesian Institute for Corporate Directorship (IICD), Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE), Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC) and UN Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS).

Vegas Mall Bags “Most Admired Shopping Centre of the Year- Mixed Land Use Development” at MAPIC Awards 2024

17th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Vegas Mall, Delhi’s premium shopping and entertainment destination, achieved a milestone by winning “Most Admired Shopping Centre of the Year-Mixed Land Use Development” at MAPIC India Shopping Centre and Summit Awards 2024, held at JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi.

MAPIC India Shopping Centre and Summit Awards is India’s first and premiere awards programme dedicated to the shopping centre industry. The award recognizes excellence in the business of shopping centres in various categories, focusing on outstanding achievements that concern the industry. Vegas Mall’s features as mixed land use development, offering the presence of International retail brands, lavish office spaces, a multi-cuisine food court, one of the largest hypermarkets, and multiple other features have earned it this prestigious award.

On receiving this award, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President of Vegas Mall, expressed, “We are thrilled and honored to have received the “Most Admired Shopping Centre of the Year-Mixed Land Use Development” at MAPIC Awards 2024. This accolade celebrates our commitment to redefining the shopping experience, offering a fusion of luxury, leisure, and innovation. With gratitude, we dedicate this honor to our patrons who inspire us to set new standards of distinction every day.”