Category Archives: Business

Wellness by Design – The Healing Power of Holistic Homes

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of living in residential spaces that support health and well-being. With lockdowns and social distancing norms, our homes became our sanctuaries as well as our workplaces and schools. Suddenly, we became aware of how conducive our homes are for our physical and mental health.

The pandemic is, for all practical purposes, over. While there are still cases across the country, the virus has lost its sting – at least for now. But we have not lost the bitter after-taste of horror and helplessness caused by an invisible killer virus that threatened the health and even the lives of our families.

Just three years ago, the traditional strongholds of our psychological security – our offices and social gathering venues – were shut an inaccessible. Covid-19 put paid to any illusion of strength in numbers. In fact, all gathering places became the most dangerous places to be.

There was – and is – only place of relative safety, and that was the home. We haven’t forgotten this, are unlikely to forget it for generations to come, and now view our homes with renewed respect and also through a brand new lens… that of health.

What should you look for while picking a home from the perspective of how supportive and conducive it is of your family’s health? Let’s delve right in.

Happy home, healthy home

When evaluating apartments, especially in crowded cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Delhi, it is crucial to assess the design and facilities from the lens of healthy living.

At an apartment unit level, adequate natural lighting and ventilation should be non-negotiable. Flats that get sufficient sunlight and have cross-ventilation not only feel more pleasant. They also reduce mold and humidity, and are more efficient at ridding the place of airborne pathogens. Good air circulation is vital for mitigating airborne infections.

Don’t skimp on size

The size of the apartment also matters. Cramped living spaces with tiny bedrooms can negatively impact physical as well as mental health over time. Look for flats with adequate floor-space to accommodate the family and your belongings as well as sufficient movement to support health and prevent a sedentary lifestyle. But a word of warning here.

In recent years, many Indian homebuyers, especially in the costly metropolitan cities, have been foregoing balconies in favour of extra usable floor-space. This is a mistake at several levels because balconies are an important connection with open air, sunlight and nature – all of which are vital from a health perspective.

Look through green-tinted glasses

When assessing the housing complex, look for open green spaces and recreational facilities. Parks, gardens and sit-outs within the premises give residents accessible options for daily walks, runs and yoga. For children, well-maintained playgrounds encourage physical activity and social connections.

Other recreational facilities like swimming pools, gymnasiums and sports courts allow residents to exercise and destress without having to step out of the project. Integrated townships should be given a high-priority status on your list of projects to evaluate.

Integrated and nearby healthcare

The housing complex should also have basic healthcare facilities on premise or nearby. A doctor-on-call, clinic within the complex, and tie-ups with diagnostic labs and hospitals in the neighborhood enhance healthcare access. This can make a big difference in case of medical emergencies. Proximity to pharmacies, organic stores, and fresh vegetable markets also facilitates healthy living.

In terms of location, housing projects that are well-connected to public transport systems, commercial hubs and offices via roads and metro/rail networks score higher. Being close to one’s workplace cuts down long commutes, reducing stress and exposure to road pollution, and promotes healthy work-life balance. Good connectivity also ensures convenient access to other health infrastructure like gyms, parks and healthcare facilities around the city.

Safety and security provisions including CCTV cameras, guarded gates and vigilant security staff offer peace of mind and encourage residents to use facilities like parks without worry. Senior citizens in particular prefer housing complexes with 24/7 security and access control.

Technology-enabled smart home features also assist healthy living. Smart lighting systems automatically calibrate based on external light, ensuring optimal lighting throughout the day and preventing unhealthy glare and unsafe dimness in the flat. Smart air conditioners maintain the perfect temperature, preventing unhealthy overheating and body moisture loss. Smart locks and visitor screening add not only convenience but an extra level of safety.

Maintenance – a major health prerogative

While evaluating housing projects from a health perspective, the community also matters. Ensure that the developer has created and handed over a functioning housing society with an active resident welfare association.

This assures you that there are mechanisms in place to enforce collecting garbage, cleaning common areas, and keeping the project’s security measures functioning. Proactive housing societies also regularly arrange health camps for residents.

Ultimately, the apartment you buy should not just be an affordable roof over your head, but a genuinely liveable space that nourishes your mind and body. The pandemic has nudged home buyers to think holistically about concepts like space, light, green cover, clean air, facilities and location. Making mindful choices will go a long way in supporting the long-term health and wellness of your family.

And since health-supporting features will be in increasing demand over the years to come, such features and facilities also guarantee a higher resale value for your property should you decide to upgrade to something even bigger and better in the future.

About the Author: 

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.

Isuzu Motors India (IMI) gets overwhelming response for ISUZU D-MAX S-CAB Z

2 October, 2023, Chennai: Isuzu Motors India, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, had launched the ISUZU D-MAX S-CAB Z, the smartest looking and safest crew-cab pick-up in the CV segment, on 31st August 2023. It has more than 30 new features of which 18 of them are ‘Best-in-segment’. It addresses the needs and aspirations of the evolving Indian businessmen and professionals for a stylish-looking vehicle for their business needs, which is engineered for life.

‘In a month’s time since launch, we have received an overwhelming response for the ISUZU D-MAX S-CAB Z which embodies the essence of an aspirational pick-up that’s truly ‘Beyond the Ordinary’.

It is heartening to note that it has become the pick-up of choice in its segment for the growing ISUZU community and we thank them for the appreciation and positive response. Based on the positive market traction and considering the approaching festive season, Isuzu Motors India extends the introductory pricing* of INR 14,99, 910/- (ex-Showroom, Chennai) for booking customers, until 31st of October 2023.

Adding to the cheer, we have also recently inaugurated 3S facilities in Kolhapur and Nashik, extending our dealership network reach with 54 seamless sales and service touchpoints, to bring our brand and products closer to our customers’.

Paytm Payments Bank announces ‘7 People in 7 Days for UPI Mission’ to support Digital India

Mumbai: 2nd Oct 2023: India’s homegrown Paytm Payments Bank today announced ‘7 People in 7 Days for UPI Mission’ in support of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to the nation to bring new users to the mobile payments revolution. This would further drive adoption of UPI payments.

Under ‘7 People in 7 Days for UPI Mission’, Paytm Bank is offering ₹700 as cashback on referring seven new users through the Paytm app. Additionally, on one successful referral, users can also get a chance to win exciting rewards including MacBook Air, Sony PlayStation 5 and Robo Vacuum Cleaners.

Paytm UPI enables super fast and seamless transactions with the lowest technical decline rates in the country. Powered by 3-layer bank-grade security, Paytm UPI provides safe and reliable payments.

Paytm Payments Bank Spokesperson said, “We are excited to launch the ‘7 People in 7 Days for UPI Mission’ to support the call to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Through our innovations, we have taken UPI to every nook and corner of the country, making it the most preferred mode of payment. This mission is aligned with our mission to drive financial inclusion in the country.”

As the top UPI beneficiary bank, Paytm Bank has registered 2,505.70 million transactions in August 2023. The Bank registered 455.52 million transactions as one of the top remitter banks in the country. The Bank’s merchant acquiring model has made it a market leader in UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. Merchants on the Paytm ecosystem, where Paytm Payments Bank is the Payee PSP, account for almost 40% of all UPI person-to-merchant transactions.

Paytm Payments Bank has always been the first to bring all of UPI innovations for its users. It was the first payments bank to launch UPI Lite and enable UPI transactions through RuPay credit cards, empowering users with seamless and superfast payments.

MX Player’s International Slate Promises a Memorable October 2023

This October, MX Player is set to engage audiences with its international slate, promising an unforgettable month of entertainment. For avid K-Drama enthusiasts, get ready to satiate your hunger for compelling storytelling as MX Player presents a curated selection of Korean Dramas that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you on the edge of your seat. From gripping dramas to thrilling action, romance to fantasy, MX Player’s VDesi slate is designed to transport you to a world of emotions and cinematic brilliance from the comfort of your home.

4th October 2023 – At Eighteen

“At Eighteen” is a heartwarming Korean Drama that delves into the lives of Choi Jun Woo, Yoo Soo Bin, and Ma Hwi Young, three teenagers navigating the complexities of high school and the challenges of adolescence. Jun Woo, a loner with a hidden charming side, transfers to a new school and forms an unlikely friendship with Soo Bin, who grapples with her mother’s high expectations, and Hwi Young, an outwardly confident but inwardly timid teen. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and learn the profound impact of true friendship. Watch ‘At Eighteen’ on MX Player in Hindi, starting 4th October 2023 and witness the unforgettable moments of their eighteenth year.

11th October 2023 – Mistress

“Mistress”, a Korean Drama, revolves around the story of four women in their 30s and their complex relationships – each on their path to self-discovery as they brave the turbulent journey together. After Jan Se Yeon’s husband died in an accident, she has lived with her daughter. She begins to receive phone calls and mysterious things take place around her. Psychologist Kim Eun Soo grapples with dark secrets when her ex-boyfriend’s son becomes her patient. High school teacher Han Jung Won’s life unravels after a one-night stand, while secretary Do Hwa Young becomes entangled in intrigue when her law firm takes on her ex-boyfriend’s wife as a client seeking evidence of infidelity. Watch “Mistress” in Hindi to explore the secrets and scandals that bind these four women together from 11th October 2023.

18th October 2023 – High Class

“High Class” is a gripping Korean drama that unveils the dark truths concealed beneath the veneer of perfection among the ultra-wealthy. Song Yeo-ul (Cho Yeo-jeong) is wrongly accused of her husband’s murder. Nam Ji-seon (Kim Ji-soo) is the star among the mothers at the international school where the children of the elite go. Danny (Ha Jun), a former ice hockey player, teaches there. The only ally to Yeo-ul is Hwang Na-yoon (Park Se-jin), a fellow single mother. Meanwhile, washed-out actress Cha Do-yeong (Gong Hyun-joo) shadows Ji-seon, craving the spotlight. Prepare for suspense and intrigue in “High Class,” streaming in Hindi on MX Player from 18th October 2023, as it unravels the secrets hidden within the upper echelons of society.

25th October 2023 – Dark Hole

“Dark Hole” is a riveting Korean sci-fi action thriller drama that plunges survivors into a life-or-death battle against mutants spawned by dark smoke from a sinkhole. Detective Lee Hwa Sun (Kim Ok Bin), haunted by her husband’s unsolved murder, serves in the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s regional investigation unit. Her life takes a turn when her husband’s killer contacts her, leading her to the eerie city of Mujishi. Veiled in a disturbing dark haze from a deep sinkhole, the city’s inhabitants have grotesquely mutated. Alongside Yoo Tae Han (Lee Joon Hyuk), a former detective and Mujishi native, Hwa Sun must save the city, unveil her husband’s murderer, and face monstrous odds. Watch Dark Hole streaming in Hindi on MX Player from 25th October 2023.

South Indian Bank Welcomes P R Seshadri as New MD & CEO

Thrissur/Mumbai, 2nd October, 2023: South Indian Bank (SIB), one of India’s leading private sector banks with over a nine-decade legacy has appointed P R Seshadri as its MD & CEO effective 1st of October 2023. He will succeed Mr. Murali Ramakrishnan who served a successful tenure from 1st October 2020 till 30th September 2023.

With nearly 25 years of banking experience spanning domestic and international markets, Mr. P R Seshadri has held senior leadership positions at prestigious institutions, including Karur Vysya Bank Limited and Citigroup. His leadership, marked by scaling, optimizing, growing, and transforming businesses, has earned him respect and acclaim within the industry. His career trajectory underscores his ability to drive sustained growth, emphasizing the adoption of digital operational frameworks and innovative solutions to meet the unique demands of the Indian market. Prior to joining SIB, Mr. Seshadri was associated with the Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) in a similar role.

Welcoming the incoming Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Thomas Joseph K, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer said, “Embracing a new era of leadership, we proudly welcome Mr. Seshadri to lead our institution. With a proven track record and a visionary approach, he embodies the future of banking excellence. His expertise will guide us towards greater heights, paving the way for success and prosperity for our valued clients and stakeholders. Together, we anticipate exploring new frontiers in finance and redefining growth through a customer-centric ethos.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. P R Seshadri, Managing Director and CEO, South Indian Bank said, “Leading South Indian Bank is a privilege as we embark on a growth journey, leveraging technology while upholding our business values and rich heritage. I am enthusiastic about collaborating with the Bank’s talented professionals to build upon the legacy. Together, we will navigate the evolving financial landscape, delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled service to our clients.”

Mr. P R Seshadri is an electrical engineer and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in management from IIM Bangalore. In his new role as MD & CEO, he is poised to lead South Indian Bank into an era of growth and innovation, while upholding its rich legacy and core values, promising an exciting journey ahead for the Bank and its stakeholders.

Celebrating the 187th Chamber Day of the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Chennai: The Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated its 187th Chamber Day on 29th September, 2023.The Chamber Day celebration recalled and celebrated the significant contributions of the Madras Chamber to the business and celebrate the significant contribution of the Madras Chamber to the business enterprises of Tamil Nadu through their policy advocacy and rapport with different national and state government departments, institutions, and diplomatic missions in Chennai and other major cities in India and abroad.\

Speaking on the occasion, Mr T R Kesavan, President, MCCI, said “Today, we are happy to say that we have 600 + direct members, consisting of large, medium, and small companies, representing “who is who” of business houses in Tamil Nadu and a good number of associated and affiliated members. The Madras Chamber is keenly looking forward to actively partnering with the Tamil Nadu government to bring its trillion-dollar economy to fruition.”

The Chief guest of the evening Mr Shenu Agarwal, MD and CEO of Ashok Leyland, congratulated the Madras Chamber on its 187 years of heritage and said, “It is a testament to the Madras Chamber’s impact on the business, community and civil society that it is celebrating this momentous anniversary. Longevity of the Madras Chamber is proof of its good work and essential contributions to the business community of Tamil Nadu.”

The Guest of Honour is Dr Ashok Dalwai,IAS, who is currently serving as the chairman, Empowered Body on Doubling Farmers Income, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India shared his thoughts, “The way forward for any economy to prosper is to focus on employment, environment, and economic development. For the future to be bright we need to now focus on developing our bio and circular economy for a sustainable future.”

The evening was attended by renowned industrialists, and heads of companies who are instrumental in taking forward the work of the Madras Chamber in enhancing business enterprise in Tamil Nadu.

Blue Dart to Implement General Price Increase w.e.f. January 1st, 2024.

Mumbai, October 2nd, 2023: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation and distribution express logistics company, part of the DHL Group, today announced its General Price Increase (GPI), effective from January 1st, 2024. The average shipment price increase will be 9.6% as compared to 2023, dependant on the shipping profile.

Blue Dart is recognised for its market-leadership in future-ready solutions with exceptional service quality, these standards are also benchmarked by the express logistics providers in the industry. In order to consistently deliver resilient, dependable, and efficient solutions to its valued customers, Blue Dart reviews and adjusts its pricing annually. This adjustment considers a multitude of factors including the current macroeconomic factors, geopolitical tensions, tighter monetary and fiscal policies, inflationary pressures, and exchange rate fluctuations, all of which impact the cost structure, there is a need for a reasonable tariff adjustment.

Additionally, the company demonstrates its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility by reducing CO2 emissions through targeted investments in green transportation technologies, smarter route planning, and clean fuels. Blue Dart has planned significant investments in its IT infrastructure to ensure data security and deliver a world-class user experience, including the introduction of chatbots, a new shipping portal, seamless marketplace plugins, and other initiatives.

Elaborating on the announcement, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart said, “The aftermath of the global disruptions in the last few years has given rise to evolving forms of globalization. As of 2023, we have faced the challenges of a volatile global market, yet we have consistently delivered dependable services to our customer base. Through our annual price adjustment, we are channelling investments into our infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, ensuring the resilience, sustainability, and top-tier customer solutions that define our commitment. This includes advancements in our aviation infrastructure and vehicle fleets, the expansion of our hubs and gateways to meet growing customer demands, and our dedication to sustainable solutions. Our annual rate adjustment primarily aligns with inflation and empowers us to maintain service excellence while addressing rising costs.”

Ketan Kulkarni, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart adds, “Through our annual price adjustments, we can allocate resources toward improving our infrastructure and technology, thereby guaranteeing robust, sustainable, and evolving customer solutions. We consistently refine our systems and procedures to maintain a forward-looking advantage, even when confronted with challenges. Automation and technology have always been fundamental tenets of our operations, not only ensuring customer delight but also enabling us to make conscientious, viable decisions that protect the future for generations to follow.”

As a preferred logistics provider for prominent organizations in various sectors such as E-commerce, Lifesciences & Healthcare, Automobiles, Consumer Electronics, Banking/Financial Services & Insurance, Blue Dart has been actively investing in expanding its presence in emerging markets, enhancing transit times, upgrading infrastructure, and embracing future technologies. These strategic investments are designed to secure a competitive edge as a pioneer and maintain flexibility and adaptability.

Hero MotoCorp to revise prices of select motorcycles and scooters from October 3, 2023

Bengaluru, October 2nd, 2023: Hero MotoCorp will make a marginal revision in the ex-showroom prices of select motorcycles and scooters, effective from October 3, 2023.

The price increase will be around 1% and the exact quantum of increase will vary by specific models and markets.

The price revision is part of our regular review of product competitiveness and positioning, factoring in inflation, margins and market share.

A rebalancing between city, suburbs, and countryside

There’s no doubt that today we’re in the grip of a remarkable and unprecedented societal shift that is radically changing the geography of work. A shift that, by enabling people to choose to work in the way they want, is overwhelmingly positive. It’s a subject that’s close to my heart.

The rise of hybrid working for more than two decades now – a phenomenon enabled by the liberating effects of technology, cutting the ties that used to restrict people across the world to a single (and usually city centre-based) workplace and instead, empowering them to work in the heart of their local community. As a result, the demand for co-working and office locations across the suburbs, small towns, and countryside has risen exponentially across all global markets.

For generations, the city has been at the epicenter of people’s lives. Its pull has emptied communities of their most economically active talent. Commuter-belt towns and parts of cities have become barren during daylight hours, solely serving as work destinations.Perhaps above all, the city-as-workplace has exposed millions of people to the destructive daily commute. Little has done more to add to human misery than this horror, brought about in the 19th and 20th centuries by business bosses’ determination to keep their people under their eye – and under their control.

However, thanks to the recent conjunction of digitalisation, environmental awareness and Covid-19, things are changing fast. And research, from Arup illustrates the sheer pace at which the transformation is happening.First, people are leaving cities. Since 2020, outbound migration from major U.S. cities to smaller communities has increased by a staggering 59%. And now, close to half a million further city-dwellers in the U.S. are projected to leave urban areas for the suburbs, smaller cities, and rural regions, most of them in search of larger homes and a better work/life balance – and this is a trend we are witnessing globally. It’s not just about where people want to have their homes. It’s also about where they want to spend their time and money. UK mobile phone data tells us that footfall in small towns, suburbs and seaside communities has risen by a full 50% since 2019.

The impact of that 50% rise in footfall, creating new opportunities for many communities, is clearly reflectedthe research by Arup. It reveals how the resulting higher levels of economic activity in suburbs and small communities are breathing much-needed financial vitality into areas.

And it aligns with the findings of another research study from 2021, which measured the positive economic impact to be gained from the rebalancing of where work takes place. This found that rural and suburban economies could generate annual increases in local consumer spending of $1.3 billion in the U.S. and £327 million in the UK as a result of the growth of hybrid working.

Today, almost half (48%) of workers in the UK and 40% of those in the U.S. are already working and 70% of organisations in India are looking at hybrid work modelsand it’s continuing grow in popularity.

City authorities can seize the opportunity that hybrid working offers by promoting investment in flexible workspaces near local communities and leveraging their central position to become vibrant hubs for decision-making, social interaction, entertainment, and tourism. Daily commuting to city centre offices has the biggest carbon footprint of any way of working.So, it resonated strongly when Future Earth’s Global Carbon Project reported a 2.4 billion-tonne fall in fossil CO2 emissions during the 2020 lockdowns, with the largest proportion coming from reduced transport emissions.

In India too, this trend has been seen replicated by IT and tech talent opting to move back to regional towns. Consequently, many leading IT companies have gone on to open new centers in India’s smaller regional cities. These centersare seeing the biggest influx of remote workers in India. Cities like Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, and Mysore are known for their low cost of living and high quality of life. Chandigarh and Kochi are also some of the cities that have seen an influx of workers coming back from large metros.

The rise of remote work has opened a world of possibilities for young professionals, giving them the freedom to live and work in the city that best suits their individual needs and preferences. And for small cities that can offer the right combination of factors, this shift in the workforce could be a game-changer, bringing new energy, talent, and economic growth to their communities.

Previous research from Aruphas shown that a permanent shift towards hybrid working in the heart of local communities would drive carbon reductions of up to 87% in the U.S. and 70% in the UK. In the India context as well, hybrid working can play a major role in achieving ESG goals, and companies can support six of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 simply by adopting the hybrid model of working. Reducing employee commuting is the most effective way to reduce their environmental impact. And with staff working partly from home or close to home, firms can downsize their office headquarters, with a consequent reduction in energy use.

Domestic migration to smaller cities and rural areas continues to accelerate ahead of pre-pandemic levels. That’s why clear-sighted policymakers, planners and businesses are embracing its benefits in their droves. And it’s essential for all of us and our planet that these visionaries convince their peers to listen.

Business tourist flow from India in Moscow is one of the most numerous – Evgeny Kozlov

Saturday, October 2nd, 2023: Business + Leisure Travel and MICE 2023 opened on 29th of September with a keynote speech from the Chairman of The Moscow City Tourism Committee, Mr. Evgeny Kozlov. In his speech, the Chairman spoke about the potential for MICE and business tourism in Moscow and the growing number of Indian businessmen who are choosing Moscow as their preferred destination for business events.

Mr. Evgeny Kozlov highlighted that the number of business tourists is expected to grow in the coming years. One of the factors supporting the growth of interest from Indian businessmen was the launch of electronic visa program. From August 1, 2023, it has become easier for Indian citizens to organize a trip to Moscow – they can come simply by applying for an electronic visa. The validity period of an e-visa is 60 days from the date of its issuance. You can stay with it in Russia for 16 days. An e-visa has several advantages over a traditional visa. To obtain it, you do not need to go to consulates or embassies, and the only documents required are a digital photograph of your face and a scan of the page with your passport data.

“Before the pandemic, the tourist flow from India grew by 12-15 percent annually. Now we are on the road to recovery – all the conditions have been created for this. Every year hundreds of international exhibitions, forums, congresses and conferences are held in Moscow. Over the past year, about 3.5 million people visited the capital for business purposes and a significant share of them are from India” – he said.

Evgeny Kozlov emphasized that Moscow is a growing hub for international business events and Indian businessmen could benefit from attending these events to expand their network and explore potential business opportunities. The Moscow MICE Ambassadors program, which also premiered at the exhibition, aims to promote Moscow as a preferred destination for business tourism, and Indian businessmen who have completed the program can serve as valuable resources for organizing conferences and events in Moscow. Furthermore, Moscow offers a range of world-class facilities and services for business travelers, including conference centers, hotels, transportation, and sightseeing. He also mentioned that Moscow’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife could provide Indian businessmen with unique experiences that could enhance their overall business trip.

In conclusion, Mr. Evgeny Kozlov expressed his optimism for the future of MICE and business tourism in Moscow. Thus, in October 2023, Moscow will host the largest MICE Congress in Russia. Among the participants are 14 countries, including Indians. The event will provide a platform for businesses in the travel and tourism industry to showcase their products and services.