Category Archives: Business

One Health Assist Unveils #MissionFitPossible to Inspire Healthier Living

The brand has launched a new campaign, urging netizens to inculcate the habit of tracking their health because ‘prevention is always better than cure. In today’s fast-paced world, adopting healthy habits can feel like an uphill battle and the lure of instant gratification eclipses the promise of long-term benefits; many struggle to make progress due to time constraints, lack of motivation, and external challenges.

Inspiring healthier lifestyles, One Health Assist, the country’s first holistic health and wellness ecosystem, proudly introduces its exciting new campaign, #MissionFitPossible. Seeking to build awareness around the importance of wellness, the campaign presents a challenge that is literally one step at a time. With a simple goal to cultivate lasting habits like consistent health tracking, starting with daily steps and gradually incorporating broader wellness metrics of hydration, sleeping habits, mental wellness, and diet.

Leveraging the power of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and ancillary platforms, the campaign encourages participants to share their progress using #MissionFitPossible. And, within 4 days of launch, the campaign has already garnered significant attention, surpassing 68,00,000 views across the internet already. With enthusiastic participation, #MissionFitPossible is well on its way to become a sure-shot success on adoption. Influencers across fitness, healthcare, and netizens have taken the challenge and are seen urging their followers to take that first step.

Karan Arora, Co-Founder, of One Health Assist said, “As a preventive-to-solutions platform, we firmly believe that people must take up their health journey through better lifestyles. We believe that this challenge will be able to guide them there.”

Davinder Bhasin, Founder, of One Health Assist, said, “This is our step to ‘inculcate a habit of tracking your steps and eventually health’. We believe by fostering a sense of community, #MissionFitPossible inspires collective encouragement as participants celebrate their goals and milestones together.”

Divya Dixit, Chief Growth Officer, of One Health Assist, said, “The first step is always the hardest. With the #MissionFitPossible challenge, we’re motivating people to take that initial step with the chance to win Coldplay concert tickets! We believe this campaign will inspire positive habits. Don’t get the FOMO, Join the fitness tribe.”

Designed to make fitness fun, accessible, and rewarding, this dynamic initiative is asking participants not only to reap the benefits of improved health but also to get the chance to win exclusive Coldplay concert tickets, adding an element of thrill to their wellness journey.

Read Campaign Details here:

Participants are encouraged to:

• Walk 10,000 steps daily, tracking progress through any fitness app and sharing their step count on Instagram, tagging @one_health_assist.
• Nominate three friends to join the challenge, creating a supportive and motivating network.
• Follow additional wellness tips for holistic health, such as getting 8 hours of sleep, drinking 3 liters of water daily, spending quality time with loved ones, and maintaining balanced meals.

Terms & Conditions

• Duration: November 25, 2024, to January 9, 2025.
• Eligibility: Open to Indian residents with no purchase necessary.
• Winner Selection: Based on consistent participation and completion of the challenge.

Target Audience

This campaign is designed for health-conscious individuals, fitness beginners, and anyone looking to make small changes toward a healthier lifestyle. #MissionFitPossible seeks to cultivate a vibrant, Instagram-driven wellness community, reaching those who are active on digital platforms and interested in self-improvement.

GoodLives Secures Rs. 1.1 Crore in Pre-Seed Funding to Transform Workplace Mental Health Solutions

New Delhi, 3rd December, 2024: The creative AI-powered platform for mental health and wellness, GoodLives, has announced that its ₹1.1 crore pre–seed financing round has closed successfully. With strategic contributions from IIM Lucknow, Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU), and industry veterans Anupreet Singh, Deepak Motwani, and Abhishek Hota, Build3, a well-known social impact accelerator, led the round. For GoodLives, this investment represents a significant turning point in its mission to reimagine mental health care for workplaces in India and the USA.

GoodLives, which was founded by IIT Kharagpur graduates Sakshi Shah and Lawrance Bamania, has quickly become a game-changer in the mental health industry. With the help of AI-powered do-it-yourself workouts and expert therapy, the platform offers individualized and effective holistic health solutions. With a particular focus on large and mid-sized corporations, GoodLives is committed to enhancing employee engagement and wellbeing through tailored programs. The startup’s goal of making a positive social impact is furthered by providing a free community platform that reaches those looking for easily accessible tools and information for managing mental health.

In a statement, co-founder Sakshi Shah said, “This funding round underscores the growing importance of mental health in workplace culture. With this investment, we’re equipped to expand our reach and elevate our offerings, ensuring mental health support is both accessible and effective for all.”

Co-founder Lawrance Bamania added, “Mental health is not just a personal mission for us; it’s a societal necessity. We aim to make mental well-being as integral to workplace culture as physical health. This funding enables us to move closer to that vision, driving meaningful change at scale.”

To ensure a smooth and significant user experience, the money infusion will be wisely used to improve the platform’s features and functionality. In order to reach a wider audience, GoodLives also intends to expand its activities and enter new markets. Through its programs, GoodLives has already raised awareness of mental health issues among more than 5 million people. Notably, the business has started a ground-breaking LinkedIn campaign to de-stigmatize discussions around mental health, and it has received a lot of praise for its creative awareness-raising strategy.

Black Friday Sales Volumes Up 17% over last year: Unicommerce

3rd December 2024, Mumbai: Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, record a 17% jump in order volumes in this year’s Black Friday sales (27th Nov. – 30th Nov 2024) over last year’s equivalent sales (22nd Nov. – 25th Nov ‘2023). The gross merchandise value (GMV) also grew by over 24% during the same period.

Some of the categories that saw an increase in order volumes included beauty, wellness & personal care products with over 34% growth as compared to that during last year’s sales. Products that were most in demand during this period were perfumes, deodorants and makeup items. Fashion & accessories recorded an over 20% YoY increase in e-commerce order volumes this season, with kids apparel, travel accessories and toys & baby products taking the limelight.

FMCG & agricultural products also witnessed over 34% YoY increase in order volumes pointing to high demand for plant nutrition items and healthy eatables. The health & pharma category recorded over 50% growth in order volumes, with health devices, nutraceuticals & supplements being the category highlights

The home decor segment, which has emerged as a mainstream category across e-commerce over the last few years, saw over 40% YoY growth in order volumes during the sale. This was led by decorative items and furnishing products.

Both brand websites and marketplaces recorded similar growth during the Black Friday sale this year. Brands recorded an uptick of over 17% in order volumes compared to last year whereas marketplaces observed over 18% growth during the same period.

Another interesting aspect of this year’s Black Friday sale event was the rise of average order value. Wearables saw a growth in AoV by over 200% during this period. Other items and categories that witnessed higher AoV growth included computers & laptops and fashion & accessories with over 25% increase in AoV for each category. Other segments including home furniture and home furnishing items also saw higher AoV of over 24% and 28% respectively during the Black Friday sale this year as compared to the last year.

The Black Friday sale has become an important part of India’s yearly cycle of e-commerce sale events and consumers actively wait for exclusive discounts offered by brands and e-commerce platforms during this period. Unicommerce analysed over 10 million order items processed through its platforms during the sale period of both the years to analyse the numbers.

“Every year, Black Friday sales act as a good closure to the year’s e-commerce sale events. As we continue to see rising consumer demand, these insights provide a broad picture of the evolving e-commerce industry in India”, said Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce.

With a 930 Mn+ annual transaction run rate, 3550+ clients, 8800+ client warehouses and 3150+ client stores, Unicommerce works with India’s marquee brands, leading marketplaces, and logistics service providers to technologically enable end-to-end management of their e-commerce operations. Beyond India, Unicommerce also serves clients in the Middle East & Southeast Asia.

Mother Dairy Signs up as Exclusive Distribution Partner of Bharat Organics

Mumbai, 3rd December, 2024: Mother Dairy, India’s leading diversified food company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has signed up with “Bharat Organics” as the exclusive distribution partners for their range of organic staples to the Delhi NCR market.

Under the initiative Mother Dairy will ensure distribution of packed and certified brand ‘Bharat Organics’ produce for consumers across NCR through its network of booths across the region. The collaboration marks the launch of ‘Bharat Organics Atta’ and ‘Bharat Organics Sweetener (Jaggery)’ in the NCR market. The ‘Bharat Organics Atta’ is made from 100% certified organic grains, ensuring exceptional purity, freshness, and a naturally wholesome flavour. Complementing this, the ‘Bharat Organics Sweetener (Jaggery)’ is a healthier, natural alternative to conventional sugars, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and nutritious food options.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy, said: “With this partnership, Mother Dairy aims to build a healthier and more sustainable India. By combining NCOL’s expertise in organic farming with our extensive distribution network and deep consumer trust, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between premium organic products and affordability. This launch reinforces our commitment to making high-quality, organic staples accessible to every consumer, empowering families to embrace healthier lifestyles.”

Mother Dairy has entered into an MOU with NCOL to distribute the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand across multiple channels and geographies. Aligning with its commitment to consumer well-being and quality, the Bharat Organics range will be made available at 300 Safal stores and around 10,000 general trade outlets in Delhi NCR, as well as through modern trade and e-commerce platforms. The collaboration marks a pivotal step in democratizing organic food access while meeting the growing demand for nutritious and sustainable food options.

Shri Vipul Mittal, Managing Director of NCOL, added “Atta is just the beginning. Our vision is to offer an entire basket of organic staples that cater to daily needs while ensuring fair returns for organic farmers. The Bharat Organics brand will stand as a symbol of trust, affordability, and quality for consumers.”

The ‘Bharat Organics’ range is built on a commitment to sustainability and quality. Each lot undergoes rigorous testing for over 245 pesticide residues, ensuring the highest levels of safety and authenticity, while supporting organic farming practices that promote environmental health and farmer welfare.

Business Leaders Highlight How Technology Has Permanently Transformed Business Travel, Says IWG’s Hybrid Horizons Report

03^rd December, 2024: The latest business leader research from International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace with brands including underlines the changing nature and frequency of business travel. The International Workplace Group report highlights how business executives are prioritising strategically important meetings for corporate spend, while routine meetings between global participants are taking place largely online using the available technology, amidst rising costs, environmental concerns and geopolitical uncertainty.

The study among more than 500 business leaders highlighted that the rapid development of digital infrastructure means functional meetings can now be held online. More than three quarters (77%) of business leaders say technology has enabled them to continue to conduct pure ‘business as usual’ meetings virtually to drive efficiency.

That’s not to say business travel has been made redundant by hybrid working. In fact, the majority (87%) of CEOs firmly believe that technology will never replace the value of strategically important face-to-face meetings, and business travel will invariably play a crucial role in strengthening relationships and when signing key commercial deals.

The rising cost of business travel

A third of business leaders cited escalating costs as an influential factor for their post-pandemic travel decisions. Research into the cost of business travel by Harris Williams found that airfares had risen by 38% when compared to pre-pandemic prices and hotel costs had risen by at least 82%. With an expectation of continued growth in 2025, 77% of CEOs noted that the ability to host meetings virtually enables them to reduce the number of business trips, allowing for a focus on crucial face-to-face meetings.

Geopolitical uncertainty

Looking at other macro trends, CEOs said that increasing geopolitical uncertainty had significantly impacted the nature of travel at their companies. One in five said that the current geopolitical climate has had a major impact on business travel, with changes in the global health landscape (19%) and visa regulations (19%) also influencing how they prioritise strategically important travel.

Environmental considerations

As companies look to reduce their environmental footprint, many are more considered in their approach to corporate travel. Three quarters (75%) of leaders said that the development of hybrid work and the adoption of online platforms has enabled them to reduce the number of environmentally unfriendly trips. For larger organisations facing greater scrutiny over their carbon emissions, corporate ESG reporting, and policies have led to leaders being more strategic with their travel plans.

Extending business trips to maximise efficiencies

Three quarters (75%) of corporate leaders said that business travel is now more efficient, and more than half (61%) say they tend to travel less but stay longer due to the availability of flexible workspaces enabling them to remain productive between meetings. A quarter (26%) now extend their travels to fit in additional meetings, reducing the need for short visits, whilst others (23%) have attended industry events or conferences to maximise their trips.

As leaders enjoy greater flexibility in their working patterns, 87% are spending the extra time to enjoy their destination and experience local culture. One quarter (24%) said they had actually combined a work trip with a holiday. In an encouraging move for the whole business, the benefits of travel and leisure are not exclusive to leaders – with 74% encouraging their employees to work from abroad to make the most of travelling, too.

Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO stated: “Advancements in digital technology coupled with the rising cost of international travel, geopolitical uncertainty and environmental considerations mean the world of business travel has been transformed and we are unlikely to see a return to pre-pandemic levels.

“Executives are now prioritising travel for the most strategically important meetings such as major business deals or nurturing significant relationships with partners. For these types of occasions, technology can and will never replace the value of in-person transactions for the most valuable meetings.”

Adding to this perspective, Harsh Lambah, Country Manager – India, IWG, emphasized the role of hybrid working in optimizing business travel “Hybrid working has fundamentally transformed how businesses approach travel. At IWG, our extensive network of flexible workspaces across India and globally enables leaders and employees to remain productive, no matter where they are. This flexibility allows organizations to prioritize critical face-to-face meetings while leveraging technology for routine operations. By adopting this approach, businesses not only enhance efficiency but also achieve significant cost savings and align with sustainability goals. The ability to work seamlessly from anywhere is redefining the way business travel is planned and executed in today’s dynamic landscape.”

Vespa and Aprilia Scooters offer year-end merriment with benefits up to INR 13,000 in December 2024

Pune, 03 December 2024: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, the 100% subsidiary of the Italian auto giant, Piaggio Group, has announced a bevy of benefits for their eternally luxe and stylish Vespa, as well as the sporty and high-performance Aprilia scooters. From 3^rd December until 25^th December 2024, customers can book a scooter of their choice at any Vespa and Aprilia dealership near them and expect benefits upto INR 13,000.

Mr Ajay Raghuvanshi, EVP, 2-Wheeler Domestic Business, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd said, “We’re excited to spread some festive cheer with our customers through this exclusive offer. Whether you’re a Vespa enthusiast or an Aprilia aficionado, there’s never been a better time to own your dream ride.”

As 2024 comes to an end, customers should rush to their nearest Vespa and Aprilia dealership anywhere in India and avail of the best prices for high end scooters of choice.

Media Fusion LLC announces partnership with Heise Medien for CyberSec India Expo 2025

Mumbai, India, 3rd December 2024 – India ranks among the fastest growing global economic markets worldwide, with cyber security becoming increasingly important. To address this development, Media Fusion LLC – a Dubai and India-based tradeshow organiser – and heise medien have entered into a partnership for the “CyberSec India Expo” today. The exhibition and conference is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 11th and 12th June 2025, aiming to attract more than 5,000 trade visitors with 150+ exhibitorsand to establish itself as the leading IT security event in the APAC region.

“With secIT by heise, we have established an extremely successful and steadily growing conference-exhibition in the GSA region. We will bring our experience and connections with IT security providers and IT security professionals to the partnership with Media Fusion,” explains Jörg Mühle, Member of Management Board, heise medien. “The focus will be on supporting exhibitor acquisition and targeted communication with potential participants.”

Taher Patrawala, Managing Director at Media Fusion LLC, adds, “India’s growth in technology and digital transformation is truly remarkable. The cybersecurity market is a prime example—it has grown from $1.98 billion in 2019 to $6 billion in 2023, with a phenomenal CAGR of over 30%. Reports (Data Security Council of India) suggests that by 2028, India is projected to contribute 5% of the global cybersecurity market, cementing its role as a key player on the global stage. For us at Media Fusion, expanding to Mumbai in 2023 was a natural step and the partnership with heise medien has only gone on to strengthen our presence here.”

At this early stage of CyberSec India Expo, Forcepoint has already signed on as the Gold Sponsor, and there is more interest for the show from several Indian and international companies. Their commitment highlights the strong momentum the show has already gained and the waves it is making amongst the cybersecurity community.

Onsitego Partners with Adishwar to Offer Extended Warranty and Damage Protection Plans Across Karnataka

Bengaluru, 3rd December 2024: Onsitego, India’s 1 device care provider, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Adishwar, a prominent electronics retail chain with over 70 stores across Karnataka. The partnership aims to bring comprehensive protection plans including extended warranty and damage protection plans to the customers purchasing consumer electronics across all brands from Adishwar.

With these offerings, the two companies are set to enhance the device ownership experience of their customers covering a wide array of products, from smartphones and TV to large and small home appliances.

Gaurav Agarwal, Chief Revenue Officer, Onsitego, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Our partnership with Adishwar represents a significant step forward in our mission to make device protection accessible to a broader audience. We aim to provide the best customer service experience to the loyal customer base of Adishwar across the country.”

Paras Jain MD, Adishwar, added, “We are excited to partner with Onsitego, a leader in device care, to offer extended warranty and damage protection plans to our customers. Devices have become complex over the past so many years and need experts to resolve any issues. Through these plans, we aim to uplift the after sales service experience of our customers and offer them complete peace of mind.”

The companies are working closely to roll out these protection plans across all Adishwar outlets in time for festival buying expected from the first week of October.

HDFC SKY Unveils New Youth Plan to Inspire the Next Generation to MakeMoneyMatter

Mumbai, December 3rd, 2024: HDFC SKY, one of India’s premier discount broking platforms is excited to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Youth Plan, specifically designed to empower the next generation and millennials. This unique initiative aims to equip young individuals with the essential tools, knowledge, opportunities, and resources necessary for navigating the financial markets with higher knowledge and conviction.

In response to this launch, Sandiip Bhardwaj, COO & CDO of HDFC Securities, remarked, “Our younger investors, especially those aged 18 to 25, represent a dynamic and transformative segment of India’s demographic landscape. While the appeal of online tips and the promise of instant success can be enticing, it is crucial for them to place their trust in reliable research.”

“Navigating the complexities of the stock market requires a comprehensive understanding of market trends, effective risk management, and various strategies. These competencies are best developed through education. Relying on tips can result in misinformed decisions and potentially significant financial setbacks. We strongly encourage our youth to leverage the research recommendations available on HDFC SKY and to enhance their financial knowledge and skills through our learning module, SKY Learn,” he emphasized.

The newly launched Youth Plan, designed for customers under the age of 25, offers an exceptional opportunity for young investors. With no brokerage or account maintenance charges across various segments including equity, derivatives, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, currency, and commodities, this plan enables young investors to engage in both delivery and intraday trading without incurring extra costs during its first year. Customers can unlock all the features of the Youth Plan for a nominal fee of just Rs. 499 per year.

In addition to the core offerings, users will benefit from exclusive guidance tailored specifically for the youth, provided by our in-house experts. This guidance will include a practical, actionable journey, featuring expert research recommendations to help young and new investors successfully navigate the markets.

As part of our SKY Learn initiative aimed at expanding financial knowledge and skills, HDFC SKY has released a large amount of informative content across formats which will engage with the youth. The content covers a diverse range of topics, including ETFs, MTFs, Derivatives, Stock SIPs, IPOs, Mutual Funds, and more. Additionally, users will benefit from exclusive webinars, instructional videos, valuable learning tools, and complimentary access to expert forums, all at no additional cost. HDFC SKY is committed to providing its users with the resources they need to expand their financial knowledge and confidence.

Why Commercial Real Estate Stands Out as a Top Secondary Investment for Maximizing ROI

By Abhishek Tharwani, Director of Tharwani Realty

Commercial property is an excellent alternative investment for those who seek more than just the potential return on investment. Compared to conventional investments in residential property or equities, commercial property offers a powerful combination of greater rental yields, stability, and long-term appreciation that makes it the perfect complement to any type of investment portfolio. This article goes into great depth on what makes commercial real estate so fantastic an investment for investors who look for ROI.

The reason to invest in commercial real estate is much greater returns in rental income. The returns from renting out a residential building tend to average at 3.5%, whereas that of an office space, retail stores, and an industrial warehouse tend to provide returns averaging 6-7% or more in specific locations. They hence provide a great source of steady and meaningful cash flow. In addition, commercial space leasing companies typically enter into longer leases of five to nine years or more. This will provide steady rental income and will also prevent the risk of having too many tenant turnovers.

Another very important factor that draws so many investors to commercial real estate is its appreciation potential. Prime commercial properties in cities that are going through high prosperity and are growing into major business centers will dramatically appreciate over time because of the increased demand for better offices and retail outlets. Appreciation potential in infrastructure-related improvements, new transit links, and emerging commercial areas continues to create long-term riches for investors. Another major plus is the lower possibility of default tenants in commercial properties than residential. Commercial tenants, as businesses, usually sign up into longer and more extensive leases, which makes less chances of defaulting tenants. That is why this investment suits investors who are interested in steady income flows.

Commercial real estate is a very effective investment; besides the income returns, investors also benefit from the following tax benefits. It saves the interest paid against loans, depreciation of properties, and maintenance and management charges. These reduce lower tax liabilities and increase profitability.

For investors who will like to test commercial real estate as an additional flow of investments, the 2025 new year opens bright prospects. Demand for better quality office space, retail developments, and industrial assets will be only at a higher stage as the economy continues to recover with companies expanding their footprints. Government policies in favor of urban development and infrastructure advancement such as metro expansions and smart city plans are expected to appreciate commercial real estate properties to a great deal. Even more encouraging is that the sector is to grow at 13.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Much of this growth comes from strong demand for retail stores, office space, and warehouses. The Grade A office space absorption was more than 40 million square feet, and this is to increase further in 2025, primarily in Tier-II hubs and metro cities. The asset class is going to provide stability along with excellent returns for investors as REITs increase in popularity, and interest rates stabilize. This is also reflected in the 15% annual growth in sales during the holiday season 2024 that does show confidence in markets has been re-established. It will continue up to well into 2025 in order to get corporate business confidence and therefore to offer tremendous opportunities to buy outstanding real estate.

Apart from this, the market remains as an investment hotbed since there is a highly demanding market for it. On the demand side, the city and semi-urban areas have started to have a spiking demand of commercial space from e-commerce, rapid urbanization, and scaling of startups and small entrepreneurs. This also ensures continuous stable returns in well-planned strategic locations and commercial properties. For starters, commercial properties rank unrivaled in stability, profit-yield, and growth irrespective of the level of experience anyone may have in investment, or their level of acquaintance with the market. Should the right methodology and an understanding of the market factors be applied correctly, such an asset class can perhaps be a golden ingredient to a profitable plan.