2, Feb 2024
Shriram Life Partners With Telangana Traffic Police for Road Safety Awareness
Hyderabad February 02, 2024: Shriram Life Insurance Company, the lead life insurer for Telangana in partnership with Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) and Cyberabad Traffic Police conducted a Road Safety and Financial Security and Insurance Awareness Event followed by a bike rally at Wipro Circle in Hyderabad.
The team at Shriram Life Insurance and the traffic volunteers displayed placards underscoring the importance of adhering to traffic rules, road safety, and financial security. The campaigners interacted with motorists and drivers, advising them on traffic laws and outlining the financial consequences of accidents, thus emphasising the need for insurance.
G. Ranaveer Reddy, ACP Madhapur Traffic Division conducted a road safety awareness session, emphasizing on the reasons for accidents and how they impact families and capsize their financial lives. Reddy led the event along with S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Inspector Gachibowli Traffic PS, Naved Khan, Co-Leader Traffic Forum at SCSC, and Keshav Bhandari from SCSC and Gachibowli Traffic PS Staff.
Representatives from Shriram Life Insurance including Ravi Kumar, Head of Compliance, and Sunitha Sambaraju, Head of Projects attended the event. It also included distribution of helmets to riders as well as a session emphasising the importance of helmets for safety and insurance for financial stability.
Sunitha Sambaraju, Head of Projects, Shriram Life Insurance said, “Road accidents take hundreds of lives every day according to India’s official road accident report. This points to the need for greater awareness among the public on the importance of safety as well as insurance. As lead life insurer for Telangana, we want to sensitize people on how accidents can render one’s family vulnerable. So the need for prevention and insurance plays a crucial role in people’s lives.”
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- By Rabindra
2, Feb 2024
Budget Reaction – SK Chaudhary, Founder Director, Safex Chemicals
SK Chaudhary, Founder Director, Safex Chemicals
“The decision to step up value addition in the agriculture sector, reduce post-harvest losses and boost farmers’ incomes by improving productivity is commendable. We believe that the move to help micro food processing enterprises via 2.4 lakh SHGs and individuals through credit linkages and promoting of public and private investment in a range of post-harvest storage solutions will not only give a fillip to faster growth but will also benefit domestic agri players.
Further, formulation of a strategy to achieve self-reliance in oilseeds is laudable since this will be backed by research on high-yielding varieties, value addition, deployment of modern farming practices, crop insurance and other measures.”
2, Feb 2024
Post-budget reaction of Mr. Prabhakar C, Director, Gopalan Group
Post-budget reaction on behalf of Mr. Prabhakar C, Director, Gopalan Group
“Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s interim budget speech today lays a commendable foundation for the final budget and the year ahead. The focus on agriculture, defense, infrastructure, and education demonstrates a clear commitment to India’s growth and well-being. While the specifics will be eagerly awaited in the main budget, the interim measures outlined paint an encouraging picture. The emphasis on strengthening rural infrastructure and enhancing productivity through schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is a welcome step that bolsters the backbone of our economy. Continued investment in infrastructure development creates employment opportunities and lays the groundwork for sustained economic progress.
Prioritizing the modernization of our armed forces is crucial for national security, and the budgetary allocation towards this objective sends a strong message and the proposed allocation for indigenous defense production aligns with the goal of self-reliance, a crucial aspect of national security. The government’s plan towards investing in education will sow the seeds of empowerment for our youth, further nurturing a future where a skilled generation will build a stronger India. While a holistic analysis awaits the final budget, this interim speech instills optimism for a future focused on development, security, and inclusivity. We eagerly await the final budget for a more comprehensive picture of the government’s vision for India’s future.”
2, Feb 2024
2023 marked a terrific year for Marriott International in the Asia Pacific region with over 80 deals signed…
India, 2nd February 2024 – Following the recent announcement by Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) of its strong global net rooms growth and record year of organic signings in 2023, the company highlighted the remarkable surge in hotel and residences openings and signings in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, particularly in key travel markets such as Japan, India, and Vietnam. At the close of 2023, Marriott set a milestone in APEC with over 60 properties added to its portfolio during the year, bringing the company’s presence in the APEC region to more than 560 operating hotels and residences, and exceeding 10 percent net rooms growth compared to 2022. The company also sealed a record of over 80 deals signed across 13 markets, representing approximately 18,000 rooms.
As tourism recovers in APEC and the travel landscape evolves, Marriott has continued to focus on strategically providing the best-in-class offerings to owners, franchisees, and guests. At the end of 2023, Marriott’s APEC development pipeline stood at over 320 hotels with over 69,000 rooms, showcasing the company’s dedication to providing world-renowned brands and diverse experiences, aligning with the evolving preferences of travelers across the region.
Luxury continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Marriott, and 25 percent of Marriott’s global luxury rooms pipeline is represented in APEC. In 2023, 15 percent of the deals signed in APEC were in the luxury segment. A record nine luxury hotels were opened in the region in 2023 — including The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne— Marriott’s 1,000th hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The JW Marriott Goa debuted the brand in Goa and was the company’s 150th hotel to open in South Asia, and added The Singapore EDITION, the first EDITION in Southeast Asia.
“With our record year of growth at Marriott International in APEC, we remain committed to meeting the demands of modern travelers underscored by our diverse portfolio of brands and strategic presence in new destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International, APEC. “2023 has positioned us as a thriving and desirable region in the global landscape. I am excited about our momentum as we focus on being where our customers want us to be and connecting people through the power of travel.”
Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott’s award-winning travel program— has helped fuel interest in the company’s regional portfolio. In APEC, the Marriott Bonvoy membership base has surged by 50 percent since 2019. This momentum is attributed to the unique and unforgettable experiences the program offers, including exclusive access to prestigious events like the Australian Open and Formula 1. Beyond hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy continues to redefine the regional travel landscape with strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines, Rakuten and co-branded credit cards in Japan, Korea, and India. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, coupled with the strength of Marriott Bonvoy, positions Marriott as a leader in shaping the future of travel and hospitality across the APEC region.
2, Feb 2024
Vidarbha successfully concluded the 1st edition of Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Nagpur
Hyderabad/Nagpur 2nd February 2024: The Association of Industrial Development (AID) concludes the first edition of the ‘Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Advantage Vidarbha’ in Nagpur. The event was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways, Shri Devendra Fadnavis Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra, and other dignitaries Shri Narayan Rane Minister MSME Government of India, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar Minister of Forests of Maharashtra,Shri Ajay Bhat Minister of State for Defence GOI,Shri Girish Mahajan Tourism Minister of Maharashtra along with senior leadership from central and state politics, as well as business industry stalwarts.
‘Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Advantage Vidarbha’ was a three-day event that took place in Nagpur from January 27th to January 29th, 2024. The event focused on promoting industrial development in the Vidarbha and Maharashtra regions, creating a unified platform for Vidarbha industries to showcase their business potential, and exploring opportunities for expansion and collaborations. Over 250 exhibitors participated in the expo, with 90% of them representing the Vidarbha industry.
“The issue of carbon emissions due to vehicles running on petrol and diesel, and the resultant pollution has become a growing concern today. Alternative fuels like ethanol, methanol, and other components can be used to address this, reducing both carbon emissions and the dependence on oil imports. The time has come to prioritize coal gasification and reconsider royalties. Moreover, if electricity is generated nearer to the mines, it would not only save transportation costs but would also increase the capacity for energy generation,” – Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari said on the sideline of Advantage Vidarbha Expo
Speaking on the occasion Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, Association for Industrial Development (AID) said “It was a pleasure for all of us at AID to host the senior government delegates along with senior industry stalwarts. On behalf of the association, I express gratitude to each of them for their vision for the region. The region has immense potential to make a stronger and consistent contribution to the nation’s growth drive.
This three-day expo marked great success with varios panel discussions in the presence of stalwarts of the sector. The startups, given that India is a developing country, have made incredible contributions. We are pleased to see a larger set of startups emerging from the region. The level of support and mentorship provided by the industry will be a milestone in this journey.
Our honorable Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji has been the torchbearer of the development drive in the nation, and it is his vision that has made this landmark expo a reality. The expo witnessed the participation of over 250 exhibitors, representing a diverse range of 43 business sectors in the region.”
He further added, “This is just the beginning, and we have a long way to go. As an industry, we are committed to the vision of our leadership.”
Vidarbha in Maharashtra, known for its rich biodiversity and resources, is emerging as a promising hub for industrial and tourism investment. Comprising 11 districts including Nagpur and Gadchiroli, it boasts excellent infrastructure and a high mineral contribution. The ‘Advantage Vidarbha – Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav’ event marked a significant step in this direction, with over 25 MOUs signed between angel investors and regional startups. Major investors like Haldiram and Nuwals pledged not just financial support but also mentorship. This initiative is crucial as Maharashtra, contributing 20% of India’s startups and 25% of its unicorns, is seeing a startup boom beyond metros, with tier 2 and 3 cities gaining momentum. Advantage Vidarbha is set to play a key role in nurturing young talent and startups in the region.
The three-day event featured diverse sessions and panel discussions covering various sectors such as education, defence, aviation, startups, MSME, bamboo, IT & ITES, pharmaceuticals, real estate, steel & PEB, finance, logistics & warehousing, mining equipment, coal gasification, fisheries, Ayurveda, dairy, and more. Senior Ministers from the State and Central Government, industry stalwarts across sectors, and renowned educational institutions, experts, and think tanks came together to discuss the potential challenges and their solutions to create a seamless business ecosystem and ensure the developmental growth of the region.
The inaugural day of the event centered its discussions on exploring the region’s potential, the availability of skilled manpower, geographical advantages, and efforts to promote and raise awareness about the initiative. Additionally, the focus was on attracting investors to invest in the region. The day of the event witnessed keynote addresses and sessions on the startup ecosystem of the region, education, aviation, defense, gem and jewelry, and the food processing industry. The first day concluded with the signing of 25 MoUs with angle investors, providing financial support to startups in Vidarbha.
The second day of the event concluded with in-depth discussions, including sessions and panel discussions, regarding the advancement of the bamboo sector and the exploration and creation of business opportunities for MSMEs, startups, pharmaceuticals, IT & ITES, real estate, and steel & PEB. There was a particular emphasis on the significance of coal gasification, efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the transition towards alternative fuel options.
On the final day, there was a brainstorming session and panel discussions focused on tapping into the region’s potential for the expansion of fisheries and fish farming, dairy, and Ayurveda. The conversations also addressed themes like training local youth for job creation and the development of various sectors, encompassing mining equipment, logistics & warehousing, IT & ITES, and finance. The event concluded with the unveiling of a Coffee Table Book showcasing the entrepreneurial success stories of Vidarbha. The book aims to highlight the significant contributions of these individuals to the region’s economic development.
2, Feb 2024
Brigade Foundation felicitates Thomas Raja (Auto Raja)
Mr Thomas Raja (Auto Raja), Founder NAMI, and Mrs Githa Shankar, Founder Trustee, Brigade Foundation.
Brigade Foundation as part of their 20th year celebration and in keeping with the schools’ initiative of Passion with Compassion felicitates Indian humanitarian, social worker and the founder of NGO NAMI, Thomas Raja aka Auto Raja with rupees 10 lakh for his awe-inspiring support to society.
2, Feb 2024
Puravankara announces total interim dividend payout of Rs 149 crores for shareholders
Mumbai: Puravankara Limited (BSE: 532891), one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate players, announced an interim dividend payout of Rs 6.30 per share for the financial year 2023-24 on 23,71,49,686 equity shares of face value of Rs. 5 each with a total dividend payout of Rs 149.40 crores. The dividend will be paid to those shareholders whose names stand on the Register of Members of the Company as of February 1, 2024.
Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited, said, “Our shareholders have remained steadfast in their support during the absence of dividend payouts in FY20 and FY21 due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They continued to support business operations and facilitate the company’s growth initiatives. We have maintained strong sales and collections throughout the first nine months of the current fiscal year. With a lineup of upcoming launches in the coming quarters, we expect to add to the operating surplus, which has increased by more than 100%, upwards of Rs 900 crores. Our cash flow from operations for 9M FY24 stood at INR 2,826 crores, and the dividend ensures that the company continues to provide tangible returns to the shareholders on their investments.”
Commenting on the solid financial performance for 9MFY24, Abhishek Kapoor, Group CEO Puravankara Limited, said, “We are excited to announce the 125% dividend for our shareholders on the back of an excellent performance by the business. The decision was taken to maintain consistency as we had not paid dividends in previous financial years. We look forward to continuing this practice and thank our shareholders for their continued faith and support in us.”
During the first nine months of FY24, the company achieved the highest-ever customer collections, totalling Rs 2,515 crores, reflecting an enhancement in operating efficiencies. Cash flow from operations for 9M FY24 stood at Rs 2,826 crores, reflecting a notable increase of 35% for the same period in 9M FY23. Additionally, the operating surplus for 9M FY24 surged to Rs 965 crores, marking a substantial 101% rise from the same period in FY23. The company’s current cash balance stands at Rs 822 crores.
2, Feb 2024
Rekha Bade Delights Everyone by Bringing Lip-smacking Food
Actress Rekha Bade, known for her character Bhamini in the Shemaroo MarathiBana’s show ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar,’ skillfully portrays the role of Pratap’s aunt, a mother-like figure for him on screen. In contrast to her on-screen negative character, Bhamini, Rekha is admired for her warm and friendly nature off-screen. Tanvee Kiran, the lead actress of the show, has expressed her appreciation for Rekha’s delightful nature and the positive atmosphere she brings to the set. Tanvee particularly enjoys the generosity of Rekha, who often shares delicious food, enhancing the overall working experience.
In a recent interview, Tanvee Kiran, who plays the character of Manasi in the show, shared some insights about her co-actor Rekha Bade, who portrays her on-screen mother-in-law. Tanvee said, “Working away from home, my co-actors have become like a second family to me, and I share a beautiful bond with Rekha Bade. Though she plays a negative character in the show, in reality, she is genuinely a wonderful person to be around. Initially, I used to miss home-cooked meals, but now, thanks to my co-actor Rekha, that longing has faded away. She consistently brings in mouthwatering home-cooked delights for us, from incredible pickles to a variety of dishes like fish, chicken, parathas, idlis, and more. She goes the extra mile to make the working environment enjoyable.”
Rekha Bade not only brings the character of Bhamini to life with her skillful acting but also fosters a positive and enjoyable atmosphere on the set of ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar.’ Her knack for spreading joy and kind nature has made her a beloved figure among the entire cast and crew.
Stay tuned and watch ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar,’ every Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM, exclusively on Shemaroo MarathiBana.
2, Feb 2024
Ferrero Rocher “Light’s up” Valentine’s Day with Hrithik Roshan
Mumbai, February 2nd, 2024: Brace yourselves for a Valentine’s Day that sparkles with love as Ferrero India Private Limited, a part of the Ferrero Group, collaborates with Indian actor Hrithik Roshan to unveil an enchanting campaign for Ferrero Rocher.
As the most romantic day of the year approaches, this celebratory campaign aims to elevate the essence of love shared with our cherished ones. Hrithik Roshan, radiating his iconic charm, takes us on a journey reflecting on how a heartfelt declaration of love transforms seasons of love into extraordinary memories, all while asserting that they are truly golden when accompanied by Ferrero Rocher.
Immerse yourself in the captivating contrast of textures and flavors that Ferrero Rocher promises – the crispiest roasted hazelnuts enveloped in velvety chocolate cream, embraced by a delicate crispy wafer, and adorned with a layer of luscious chocolate and hazelnut pieces. The brand’s latest film serves as a gentle reminder to infuse your Valentine’s Day celebrations with the exquisite touch of love – embodied by the perfect golden gift, Ferrero Rocher.
Speaking about the campaign, Mr Zoher Kapuswala, Marketing Head, Pralines, Ferrero India said, ” “Ferrero Rocher complements a soulful Valentine’s Day and is the definitive gifting choice for heartfelt moments. Over the years, Ferrero Rocher has made an indelible mark as we rejoice this day with our loved ones.”
2, Feb 2024
India Needs to Priorities Conscious Consumerism to Curb Economy
National, 2nd February: The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the non-profit organization which is the strongest advocate against counterfeiting and illicit trade elects a new Governing Body. Under the new leadership, the pioneering think tank shares a critical insight into the issue of counterfeiting that is depriving India of precious revenue.
ASPA’s New Governing Body says “There is an immediate need for India to prioritize Conscious Consumerism to curb the leak of precious tax revenue for the betterment of the Indian Economy”.
Mr. Manoj Kochar, Holoflex Limited has been voted as the President of ASPA. Mr. Ankit Gupta, Holostik India has been given the responsibility of Vice President. Mr. Luv Shriram, Shriram Veritech is the General Secretary and Treasurer. The names of the Governing Body Members are Mr. Saurabh Agarwal, Avery Dennison (India) Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Vikas Jain, ACVISS Technologies; and Ex-Officio: Mr. Nakul Pasricha, PharmaSecure. Co-Opted Governing Body Members are Mr. Gaurav Sathaye, United Speciality and Mr. Ranesh Bajaj, Vinsak India.
Sharing insights during the meeting Mr. Manoj Kochar, President, ASPA said, “Counterfeiting has and continues to be a very serious hindrance that has been slowing down the growth of India’s Economy. Unfortunately, neither of the stakeholders, be it the government, industry associations, businesses or the consumers give the matter the importance it deserves. Counterfeiting is divided into Deceptive and non-deceptive markets. In simpler terms some consumers buy a fake under the impression that it is an original (deceptive) and some consumers buy the product knowing that it is a fake (non-deceptive). In a recent survey done by us, it was found that an astonishing 31 percent of people willingly buy a fake product (ASPA Report to the Nation). This non-deceptive market fuels the counterfeit market and encourages criminals to produce and sell more such harmful and inferior fake products. It is extremely critical to nurture and motivate conscious consumerism plus active participation in the authentication process. Without the inclusion of the consumers it is impossible to fight against fakes.”
Mr. Ankit Gupta, Vice President, ASPA, “Circulation of counterfeit products does not only have financial but also social repercussions. It tarnishes the reputation of the country and reduces the faith of consumers. It is disheartening to see that consumers have lost so much faith that they are okay in buying a product even when they know that it is a fake and it could be harmful for them. Almost 89 percent of consumers acknowledge the presence of fake products in the market, even after discovering a fake product consumers take no or negligible action against it. The survey revealed that top categories in which consumers come across fakes are Apparel (31%), FMCG (28%), Automotive (25%), Pharmaceuticals (20%), Consumer durables (17%), and Agrochemicals (16%).
Awareness about the dangers associated with buying a fake product. They need to know that they might be spending less money but they might be making a very costly mistake. In critical products such as pharmaceuticals, food, alcohol, etc, this mistake could cost lives. Products which can have a direct impact on human health on consumption such as FMCG and Pharmaceutical are among the top 5 categories which have a high percentage of fakes.”
The menace of counterfeit, substandard and falsified products is rooted deep into the ecosystem and auctioning a strategic plan to counter it cannot be pushed further. It is an immediate need of the Indian economy which can put the saved revenue into effective use. By encouraging conscious consumerism, the whole ecosystem can be pushed towards a positive change.
