Category Archives: Business

AICTE and OPPO India Collaborate for the ‘Generation Green’ Campaign to Build Green Skills through 5000 Student Internships in India

15th July 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and OPPO India today announced their ‘Generation Green’ campaign. The 100-day program-managed by 1M1B (One Million for One Billion)-promotes green skills among the youth through 5,000 internship opportunities across colleges in India.

The AICTE and OPPO India announced their ‘Generation Green’ campaign. The 100-day program promotes green skills among the youth through 5,000 internship opportunities across colleges in India

According to LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023, job seekers with green skills are 29% more likely to get hired than the average workforce. This initiative cultivates climate-conscious skills which will add to the students’ knowledge to make them future-ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.

“AICTE is proud to join hands with OPPO India for the Green Internship Programme,” Dr. TG Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, said. “It is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills and contribute to sustainability efforts that tackle environmental challenges and contribute towards building an eco-friendly world. Notably, OPPO India is the first electronics manufacturing company to offer internships through AICTE. This campaign is a part of the 1 Crore Internships mission of AICTE, Ministry of Education, Govt of India, and will contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Students from all streams, technical and non-technical, can participate in this internship program. The interns will undertake a range of hands-on activities that will inculcate their skills in project management, sustainability practices, effective communication, collaboration, research, and data analysis, enhancing their overall employability. Students will take the Green Pledge and participate in awareness sessions, E-surveys, and Green Day celebrations.

“At OPPO India, we are aligned with the Net-Zero vision of the Government of India. Our aim is to create a macro movement towards sustainability that is driven by the power of youth,” said Rakesh Bhardwaj, Head, Public Affairs at OPPO India. “Today, we are nurturing 5,000 sustainability champions who are going to further influence the next generation of changemakers. Through the programme, at least 10 lakh students from schools and colleges nationally will be provided with the right knowledge and values towards supporting a sustainable community. We are delighted to partner with AICTE in this transformative initiative and will continue to amplify the impact in this direction through our collective efforts.”

Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer, AICTE, added, “The AICTE internship portal hosts over 50 lacs internships, aiming to reach 1 Crore by 2025. We are pleased to partner with OPPO India to offer 5000 sustainability internships. Balancing development with sustainability is vital for India. Engaging youth in effective e-waste management is essential, as their commitment and innovation can help build a cleaner, sustainable future. Students participating in these internships may also earn 2-3 academic credits.”

These efforts aim to increase environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among students. The opportunity is now available on the AICTE internship portal and students can apply through this link: www.iamgenerationgreen.com.

All Interns who complete the program’s activities will receive certificates jointly accredited by AICTE, OPPO India, and 1M1B.

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone-“Smiley Face”-in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 50 countries and regions with more than 40,000 of OPPO’s employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Towering Skyscrapers and Luxurious Homes: Exploring the Future of Quality Living in Delhi-NCR

15th July 2024 Delhi | NCR, India  The demand for luxury homes in the Indian real estate market is witnessing an unprecedented surge, driven by homebuyers prioritizing the combination of opulence and quality living. Over the past few years, the sector has experienced a trend, with more people seeking spacious and comfortable living spaces that offer an enhanced lifestyle, notably in the metro cities, where the demand for luxury homes is more prominent. India’s leading metro cities are seeing a significant uptick in the construction and sales of luxury homes, with Delhi-NCR leading the growth graph.

A report by Knight Frank revealed that the first half of 2024 (H1 2024) witnessed a significant jump in residential unit sales across India’s top eight cities, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. The surge in demand for luxury housing, which formed 41% of all sales in the first half of 2024, has not only strengthened market sentiments but also prompted strategic planning from developers.

NCR’s realty landscape is constantly evolving, marked by towering skyscrapers and premium residential projects, offering high-end living experiences. Gurugram and Noida are witnessing a construction boom, with numerous luxury projects underway. These projects are characterized by their innovative designs, world-class amenities, and strategic locations. One of the defining features of NCR’s luxury real estate market is the prevalence of towering skyscrapers. These architectural marvels not only redefine the cityscape but also offer residents a host of benefits.

Amit Modi, Director, County Group says, “The luxury real estate market in NCR is fueled by the economic growth and buyers’ changing lifestyle preferences. Homebuyers now seek spacious living spaces offering holistic lifestyles, premium amenities, and green surroundings. This trend places Delhi-NCR, notably Noida, as a desirable residential destination. In addition, various infrastructure developments like the upcoming Noida International Airport further boost the growth of luxury housing. Furthermore, the influx of affluent professionals, improved economic conditions, and the availability of high-end amenities have instilled greater confidence among buyers toward developers. As the growth continues, we anticipate Noida becoming the epicenter of luxury residential real estate in NCR.”

Catering to the soaring demand for towering skyscrapers and luxury homes, leading developers such as County, Gulshan, Landmark, and Omaxe Group have contributed to NCR’s realty landscape. Their unique offerings attract discerning buyers, and they set new standards for luxury living with their meticulously planned and aesthetically pleasing high-rise residential projects. The renowned Prateek Group is also making a significant contribution to this landscape with its premium residential projects that emphasize a blend of luxury and quality living. Nestled in the lush green landscapes of Noida and Siddharth Vihar, the group’s project offers its residents innovative living spaces offering luxurious life. These developers are setting new benchmarks in luxury living with their meticulously planned and aesthetically pleasing residential complexes, redefining luxury in NCR.

Sandeep Chillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group says, “The pursuit of luxury homes and quality living is driving a transformation in India’s real estate residential market, particularly in the metro cities. The prominence of Gurugram as a preferred luxury home destination in NCR is undeniable. The city’s rapid development, coupled with its enhanced infrastructure and excellent connectivity, makes it an attractive choice for luxury homebuyers. This demand fuels ongoing growth and positions Gurugram as a coveted luxury residential destination. The development of niche luxury projects will continue to drive its continuous growth and potential as the leading luxury real estate residential market in India.”

The report also indicates that developers are strategically catering to homebuyers’ changing preferences for an upgraded lifestyle experience. It highlights a 5.8% year-on-year increase in new home launches, with 183,401 units added to the market in H1 2024.

Mohit Goel, MD, Omaxe Group, says, “The demand for luxury homes in NCR highlights a shift in buyer choices towards more sophisticated and comfortable living environments. Especially over the last few years in cities like Faridabad, where steps have been taken to improve the city’s infrastructure and connectivity, it has also helped increase its brand value. Notable developments like the Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad (FNG) Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), KGP Expressway, and others have provided an additional impetus to Faridabad’s residential charm. In Faridabad, buyers can find luxury apartments larger than those in Noida and Gurugram for the same price. This has made the city attractive to higher mid-income and premium homebuyers and investors. As a result, Faridabad has begun to outshine Noida and Gurugram, prompting visionary real estate developers to curate high-end residential projects with state-of-the-art facilities.”

Salil Kumar, Director- Marketing & Business Management, CRC Group says, “The luxury real estate market in NCR, particularly in Noida, is booming as buyers increasingly seek premium living experiences. The city is now a prime choice for discerning homebuyers due to the blend of opulent amenities and strategic locations. The region boasts high-rise projects designed to cater to these sophisticated tastes, offering world-class facilities, expansive green spaces, and advanced security features. Thus, the ongoing demand reflects a significant shift in lifestyle alternatives, with buyers prioritizing spacious living environments that provide comfort and luxury.”

Towering skyscrapers and luxury residential complexes are redefining living standards, offering homebuyers an unparalleled blend of luxury, convenience, and quality and Delhi-NCR stands at the forefront of this growth. As the demand for such homes continues to rise, the NCR is set to remain a prime destination for those seeking the finest living experiences.

IVCA CAT III Summit Charts Course for the Future of CAT III AIFs in India

15th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  India’s apex industry body for alternative assets, the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), is set to host the IVCA CAT III Summit in Mumbai on July 11th, 2024. The IVCA CAT III Summit aims to catalyze growth in the CAT III AIF space, bringing together over 300 industry stakeholders consisting of CAT III funds, other alternative capital funds, limited partners (LPs), family offices, wealth managers, policymakers, regulators, and IVCA member knowledge partners. The IVCA CAT III Summit boasts a prestigious line-up of sponsors, including AlphaGrep Investment Management, Nippon Life India AIF Management, Northern Arc, PwC, and Sundaram Alternatives.

Bhautik Ambani, Chief Executive Officer, of AlphaGrep Investment Management, and Co-Chair, of CAT III Council, IVCA, said, “IVCA CAT III Conclave 2024 will be a fantastic event focusing on the Indian alternative capital industry. The event will focus on engagement with regulators, initiatives for CAT III AIFs, and increasing interest from family offices and high-net-worth individuals, which are crucial for the industry’s growth and development. It’s great that the conclave will provide a platform for thought-provoking discussions and networking opportunities to delve deeper into these important topics. Collaboration and innovation are key drivers of progress in any industry, and it’s clear that the IVCA Conclave aims to foster these connections to shape the future of the alternate capital industry in India. I’m sure the conclave will offer a wealth of insights and opportunities for all participants. Enjoy the event and make the most out of the connections and knowledge shared there!”

Ashish Chugani, Head Alternative Assets, Nippon India Alternative Investments said, “The strong and growing interest in AIFs amongst investors has made it the fastest growing asset class in India in recent times. While majority of the AIFs fall under Category II, the growth of Category III AIFs has been quite phenomenal. Within Category III AIFs, Long-Only funds have consistently remained the largest segment, as their popularity and performance has been growing steadily. However, we do believe that given the dynamic nature of the markets, Long-Short funds are seen as a harbour for managing market volatility and generating higher risk-adjusted returns. The Indian Economy is well poised to grow exponentially, and we believe Category III AIFs are yet to reach their true potential. As differentiated investment themes and strong alpha will propel investors interest in Long-Only Funds, diversification and volatility management will induce increasing interest towards Long-Short funds.”

Bhavdeep Bhatt, CEO, Northern Arc Investments said, “Indian capital market has been going from strength to strength in terms of building strong regulatory infrastructure, and an unprecedented depth, breadth & liquidity. This set up offers a perfect opportunity for financial market innovations, particularly for sophisticated large investors who demand global standard in terms of differentiated product design for risk-return. Thankfully, Cat III framework helps harnessing this opportunity across asset classes. No wonder, the CAT III AUM has grown @ 100% + CAGR in last decade. While tax neutrality will help the investor and industry more, we are happy to have offered a unique Money Market Alpha Fund, an open-ended-money-market-credit-Fund that has delivered 9.5% CAGR, post expense, since its inception 5.5 year ago, without any delay or delinquency, including during Credit or Covid crisis.”

Gautam Mehra, Partner, PwC India said, “The assets under management of Category III funds have seen a significant growth trajectory. On the back of an ever-growing increase in the depth and maturity of Indian capital markets, this segment can continue to play a very important role in funneling long-term capital through a well-regulated environment. Additionally, the Summit provides a great platform to brainstorm on financial innovation and on increasing the coverage of a wider range of products which would serve the requirements of India’s markets and economy, and at the same time, cater to the needs of the more sophisticated investors.”

Vikaas Sachdeva, Managing Director, Sundaram Alternatives & Co-Chair, CAT III Council, IVCA said, “Category III AIFs in India are at the forefront of financial innovation, presenting a diverse array of strategies including long-only, long-short equity, absolute return, market neutral, arbitrage, and credit. These funds aim to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns. As they continue to navigate various asset classes, market capitalizations, and sectors with expertise, Category III AIFs are poised to secure a significant share of investor portfolios, shaping the future of HNI investment in India. The key to their success lies in consistently meeting risk and return expectations, which bolsters investor confidence and drives growth. Their role in diversifying and enhancing portfolio performance will be instrumental in attracting a broader investor base. The evolution of Category III AIFs signals a transformative phase in India’s investment landscape.”

The Category III Alternative Investment Fund Report 2024, to be released at the summit, projects a promising future for CAT III AIFs. It anticipates an exponential growth trajectory, with CAT III AIFs having demonstrated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% and 52% over the past five and three years, respectively. As of December 2023, there are 257 registered CAT III AIFs, with collective commitments of a staggering Rs. 128,058 crore. Notably, CAT III funds are the only category that witnessed a significant rise in the number of new funds launched in FY24.

The IVCA CAT III Summit features a prestigious lineup of speakers. Several industry veterans from the alternate capital ecosystem will participate in various panel discussions. These include prominent figures such as – Akshaya Mishra, Head of Compliance, Nuvama Asset Management, Apurva Salarpuria (Principal, Salarpuria Family Office), Ashish Chugani (Head – Alternative Assets, Nippon India Alternative Investments), Bhautik Ambani (CEO, AlphaGrep Investment Management, and Co-Chair, CAT III Council, IVCA), Bhavdeep Bhatt (CEO, Northern Arc Investments), Nalin Moniz (CIO – Alternative Equity, Edelweiss Asset Management), Pavan Shah (General Manager, IFSCA), Pradeep Ramakrishnan (Executive Director, IFSCA),Pritesh Majmudar (Head of Compliance, DSPIM), Saurabh Rungta (Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Avendus Wealth Management), Upasana Koul (Co-founder and Director, Eleveight), Vikaas Sachdeva (Managing Director, Sundaram Alternates, and Co-Chair, CAT III Council, IVCA), and Vikram Bohra (Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP)

Real-Reel Stories: A New Genre of Storytelling

15th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The world of espionage fiction has long fascinated readers and movie makers. Either they are based on true stories or are an absolute piece of fiction.

Inspired by this, two authors came together and decided to create Real-Reel spy fiction. Inspired by REAL events of courage and commitment to the nation by some of India’s best covert operatives, these two authors decided to bring these unsung heroes to life through their six-part series – The Panther’s Ghosts which is written in a REEL form.

Published by Bloomsbury International and Westland Publishing, the books when read, feel like watching a movie and hence, managed to create a new category for themselves, called “Real-Reel Books”.

The PG series has already received rave reviews and now the race is on for major production houses to secure the rights to adapt ‘The Panther’s Ghosts’ into a thrilling web series.

The first two books of this six-part Indian covert ops series, penned by award-winning authors Ajit Menon & Anil Verma, have emerged as top contenders, promising a gripping narrative and complex characters that could translate seamlessly to the screen.

The Panther’s Ghosts series follows the various covert operations conducted by Indian Special Forces on the back of India’s tough ‘Defensive Offence’ doctrine. The series’ intricate plotting, high-stakes action, and richly developed characters have not only made it a hit among readers but also garnered the attention of major production companies eager to bring this story to life.

Industry insiders reveal that multiple production houses are in talks with Ajit & Anil, each aiming to secure the adaptation rights. The intense competition underscores the novel’s potential to become a standout web series, promising a blend of suspense, drama, and high-octane action that could captivate a global audience.

As the demand for top-tier content on streaming platforms continues to rise, the potential adaptation of ‘The Panther’s Ghosts,’ inspired by real events of our unsung heroes, is viewed as a golden opportunity. Declared a best-seller, the novel’s fans are eagerly awaiting updates on its journey from page to screen, envisioning a series that is both, visually stunning and true to the essence of the book, a thrilling prospect that resonates with readers worldwide.

As we speak, the authors who left well-paying corporate jobs to pursue their passion to become storytellers, are busy with their third book in the series which is due to hit the stands in November 2025.

G Square Launches Tamil Nadu’s Biggest Sports-Themed Community in Singaperumal Koil

15th July 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  G Square, South India’s largest plot promoter today announced the grand success of its latest project, G Square Pavillion in Singaperumal Koil. This prominent project, situated on the Oragadam Bypass and adjacent to GST Road, is recognized as Tamil Nadu’s largest sports-themed plotted community.

G Square Pavillion in Singaperumal Koil

The DTCP-approved and RERA-registered project consists of 624 residential plots spread across an overall land area of 34.53 acres with 50+ world-class amenities in a secured community. G Square Pavillion is also noted for benefitting from some of the city’s most prime developments such as:

Presence on the Singaperumal Koil Overpass Bridge:

The SP Koil Overpass will connect GST Road with the Oragadam Bypass, linking the IT hub on GST Road with the automobile hub in Oragadam-Sriperumbudur stretch and simultaneously spurring growth on the unfledged right side of SP Koil, similar to the history of Urapakkam, Vandalur, Kilambakkam, Guduvanchery, and Kattankalathur.

Proximity to GST Road:

Chennai’s only road that offers rail, road, metro, and airport connectivity with connectivity to the Outer Ring Road, Chennai Bypass to Kolkata Highway, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road-which bridges the GST road to the IT corridor ECR-OMR stretch.

Easy access to Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR):

One of the major ring roads that connects the trade route from Ennore to Mahabalipuram, reducing travel time between the endpoints significantly.

Direct connection to the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus:

One of the city’s biggest transit points along with CMBT Bus Terminus which operates both inter and intra-state transportation.

Proposed Tambaram-Chengalpet Elevated Corridor:

A major 6-lane elevated road that starts at Perungalathur and extends beyond the Paranur toll plaza, reducing traffic congestion and road accidents on GST Road. The elevated corridor will have entry and exit ramps at Kilambakkam Bus Terminal, SRM Potheri, and Mahindra World City and will significantly ease traffic near SP Koil.

Presence of multiple industries:

Singaperumal Koil hosts a cluster of major automobile and tire industries, including Mahindra, Renault-Nissan, Ford, and BMW. The area also accommodates significant IT hubs and communities with companies like Mahindra World City, Zoho, Capgemini, Wipro, and Infosys.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Bala Ramajeyam, Managing Director, G Square Realtors Private Limited said, “Singaperumal Koil is currently one of the most sought-after locations in all of Chennai. The location is situated amidst numerous major city developments and as a result, will experience massive appreciation and demand in the coming years. It is currently the gateway of the city from down south and is connected to all the major road networks of Chennai, with all modes of transportation available. The locality also has another unique feature where it has the presence of all sorts industries including Automobile, IT, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Entertainment and much more making it the most prime hotspot of the city and home for all locality.”

He further added, “G Square Pavillion is situated right in the middle of all these developments, it is just minutes from the railway station and also extremely close to the Mahindra World City. Building your dream home in a happening locality like SP Koil, especially at a reasonable price like this is something one should not miss because once the developments are fully operational, the prices will be sky high.”

Empowers Women Entrepreneurs to Harness Government Schemes for Business Success at MACCIA

Nashik, India, July 15, 2024 — Women entrepreneurs gathered at the North Maharashtra Divisional Office in Nashik for a transformative seminar organized by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture.

CE Shreekant Patil, esteemed mentor of Startup India, delivered a passionate address emphasizing the pivotal role of government schemes in enabling women to kickstart their businesses. CE Shreekant Patil underscored the significance of skill development, manpower training, and strategic marketing practices as essential components for women entrepreneurs to transition from small enterprises to larger ventures.

MACCIA North Maharashtra President Shri. Sanjay Sonawane graced the event with a comprehensive overview of the Maharashtra Chamber’s initiatives dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. Attendees were enlightened on the diverse financial support programs available at their disposal, aimed at catalyzing the growth of women-led businesses. At the ceremony, Mr. Sanjay Sonawanr and Rajaram Sangle has felicitated Shreekant Patil in acknowledgment of his unwavering commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship in the region.

In a bid to ensure sustained success, CE Shreekant Patil delved into the importance of effective marketing strategies, branding, and trademark registration to solidify the market presence of women-owned enterprises. An interactive session facilitated meaningful dialogue between attendees and Shreekant Patil, fostering an exchange of insights and valuable guidance for nurturing their entrepreneurial pursuits.

The seminar witnessed an inspiring turnout of executive members and prominent figures such as Mrs. Sonal Dagde, and Mrs. Sheetal Thackeray, among others, reflecting a resolute dedication to fostering the growth of women in business. Encouragingly, the event served as a pivotal platform for women entrepreneurs to engage, learn, and leverage government schemes in realizing their entrepreneurial ambitions.

The ROI of Investing in Corporate Wellness Programs in India

15th July 2024  India Is your business silently bleeding profits due to an unhealthy workforce? If you’re like most companies, the figures might shock you! Absenteeism, high turnover rates, and lack of productivity can quietly drain your resources, leaving your bottom line gasping for air. But here’s the kick: these issues often stem from a work culture that doesn’t prioritize employee wellness. So, what’s the solution? Enter corporate wellness programs, a game-changer that transforms your workplace’s culture and financial health.

Delhivery, a leading logistics and supply chain services company in Gurgaon, was seeking ways to create an organization-wide wellness culture which would in turn help boost employee engagement and productivity. The HR Manager at Delhivery recognized the need for a fresh approach and reached out to Ashwyn at That Lifestyle Coach (TLC). Ashwyn, a fitness professional with a deep interest in corporate wellness, curated a comprehensive program tailored to Delhivery’s specific needs. This initiative aimed to foster a more positive and productive work environment, ultimately transforming the company’s workplace culture and overall performance.

Highlights of the TLC Program

TLC initiated the project at the Bangalore HQ which had an average monthly attendance of 200 employees. Highlights of the program included:

• Wellness space setup and management: Established and managed wellness spaces with the support of professional coaches to provide ongoing guidance and support to employees.
• Fitness assessments: Assessed employees’ fitness levels to introduce safe and thoroughly aligned fitness programs.
• Fitness initiatives: Encouraged physical activity through an on-site gym and daily fitness classes available for free to employees.
• Nutrition guidance: Promoted better nutrition with personalized meal plans and a revamped cafeteria menu offering healthy food options.
• Mental health support: Offers one-on-one counseling services and weekly stress management workshops.
• Work-life balance solutions: Worked closely with the HR teams to implement mid-day power-up sessions to help reinstate mental energies and team efficiency throughout the day.

Positive Outcomes Post-Program

Following the implementation of TLC’s wellness program, employees* reported:

• A noticeable reduction in absenteeism, with many employees feeling healthier and more motivated to attend work regularly.
• A significant 15% increase in overall productivity, as employees felt more energized and focused.
• Improved employee morale and engagement, with employee satisfaction scores rising noticeably.
• Enhanced physical fitness and well-being, leading to fewer health issues and a more vibrant workplace.
• A stronger sense of community and teamwork was fostered by the wellness initiatives and activities.
• A considerable reduction in employee turnover rates, as employees felt more committed and connected to the organization, recognizing the efforts made to prioritize their wellness.

*Based on conversations between TLC and employees at Delhivery*

The Hidden Costs of an Unhealthy Workforce

Think about it – every time an employee calls in sick, your business takes a hit. Delayed projects, stressed-out colleagues, and plummeting productivity are just the tip of the iceberg. According to a study by ASSOCHAM, Indian companies lose an estimated INR 24,000 crores annually due to absenteeism caused by lifestyle-related diseases. High turnover rates are another sign of a workplace in distress. When employees leave, you lose not just their skills but also the time and money invested in their training. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in India, replacing an employee can cost up to 50-60% of their annual salary. And this doesn’t account for the intangible costs, like the impact on team morale and client relationships.

Unhealthy employees struggle to maintain productivity due to physical or mental health issues. According to a report by Optum, 46% of the Indian workforce experiences stress, impacting their productivity and work performance.

Why Corporate Wellness Programs are a Game Changer

Corporate wellness programs enhance employee health and well-being through services like fitness and nutrition coaching, mental health support, and stress management workshops. TLC customizes these programs to each organization’s needs for high engagement and effectiveness. TLC offers tailored solutions, sustainable wellness strategies, professional on-site coaching, engaging group activities, and strategic investments to foster a balanced, healthy, and collaborative work environment. These programs demonstrate to employees that their organization genuinely cares about them and their health, leading to increased commitment and loyalty

Wellness programs by TLC work by providing:

• Wellness space setup and management: Establish and manage wellness spaces with the support of professional coaches to provide ongoing guidance and support to employees.
• Fitness assessments: Assess employees’ fitness levels to introduce safe and thoroughly aligned fitness programs.
• Fitness initiatives: Encourage physical activity through an on-site gym and daily fitness classes available for free to employees.
• Nutrition guidance: Promote better nutrition with personalized meal plans and a revamped cafeteria menu offering healthy food options.
• Mental health support: Offer one-on-one counseling services and weekly stress management workshops.
• Work-life balance solutions: Work closely with HR teams to implement mid-day power-up sessions to help reinstate mental energies and team efficiency throughout the day.

Flex Your Workplace Muscles with TLC’s Fitness-Focused Programs

Investing in corporate wellness programs yields both short-term and long-term financial benefits. In the short term, wellness programs can decrease absenteeism by up to 27%, according to the American Journal of Health Promotion. Healthy employees are more focused and efficient, with studies showing a 10-15% increase in productivity among participants in wellness programs.

In the long term, companies see even greater returns. A study by ICICI Lombard revealed that organizations with wellness programs reported a 30-40% reduction in healthcare costs over three years. Additionally, companies with wellness programs experience a 25% lower employee turnover rate, saving on recruitment and training costs. A commitment to employee wellness also enhances a company’s reputation, attracting top talent and fostering loyalty among customers.

AMPP Announces New Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors

Houston, TX, July 15, 2024 –The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, today announced a new Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors. Pursuant to the AMPP Bylaws, former AMPP Vice Chair Kimberly-Joy Harris, Ph.D., PMP, has succeeded to fill the unexpired term of former AMPP Chair Paul Vinik, who has resigned from the Board. The term concludes at the end of 2024.

Dr. Harris, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, steps into this role with a comprehensive background in asset integrity, sustainability, and efficiency. She is the President and principal energy consultant at LIL Energy Consulting LLC, where she provides strategic guidance, technical expertise, and leadership development across the oil, gas, refinery, and pipeline industries.

“Kimberly is a long-standing, experienced, and well-respected member of the pipeline industry, whose passion for chapter support and recognition of our volunteers has continually driven our mission forward,” said AMPP CEO Alan Thomas. “Her leadership and expertise are invaluable, particularly when our industry faces significant technological and environmental challenges. I am confident that Kimberly’s vision and strategic approach will greatly benefit AMPP and its community.”

Dr. Harris holds master’s degrees in energy transition from the University of Texas at Austin and organizational leadership from Colorado Christian University. Her career includes key roles in corrosion and integrity engineering programs at EnLink and Enbridge, where she was instrumental in leading diverse teams, fostering best practices, and crafting technical standards and training.

“Taking on this role is both an honor and a responsibility that I accept with a deep commitment to our mission and community,” said Dr. Harris. “I am grateful to Paul for his leadership and steadfast dedication to AMPP. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the direction of our organization, and I hope to build upon his legacy of integrity and innovation. Together, with the support of our members and volunteers, we will continue to advance our industry’s standards and practices.”

Dr. Harris will lead the AMPP Board as it continues its work with the AMPP Global Center Board, led by Juan Caballero, to consolidate AMPP’s governance into one Board in January. This important project will, by design, lead to a more agile and innovative organization.

Polls, Heatwave, Impacted Logistics Sector in June 2024 – Shriram Mobility Bulletin

15th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  The July 2024 edition of the Shriram Mobility Bulletin, released today, provides insightful data on the current state of the automobile and logistics sector. Motor car sales saw a decline of 9%, while fuel consumption for petrol and diesel dropped by 5% in June 2024, although year-over-year (YoY) consumption increased by 4% and 1%, respectively. Truck rentals experienced a 2.6% decrease on the Mumbai-Kolkata-Mumbai route but saw a 4.1% increase on the Kolkata-Guwahati-Kolkata route. Sales of used commercial vehicles grew on a YoY basis, with a rise of 7% for 7.5 to 16-ton capacity vehicles and 43% for 31 to 36-ton capacity vehicles. FASTag toll collections rose by 2% in volume and 7% in value on a YoY basis. Additionally, the generation of e-way bills showed a month-over-month (MoM) increase of 8% for intra-state and 5% for inter-state transactions for May.

Over the past two years, prices for all types of used commercial vehicles, whether BS IV or BS VI, have increased 25-30%. The subdued sales during 2019-22 have resulted in a shortage of supply in the used truck market.

With new vehicle prices still on the rise, the used truck market is experiencing significant traction, and prices for used vehicles are expected to remain strong. While the prices may not go up like last year, there could be some correction compared with FY24.

The current batch of new trucks (comprising last-year and one-year-old vehicles) will be available after a few years in the pre-owned segment. This could potentially drive sustained growth in the used vehicle segment.

Appended below are highlights for Used Commercial Vehicle prices on the Month-on-Month and Year-on-Year scenario across categories tracked in the Shriram Mobility Bulletin.

• On a YoY basis, prices across all vehicle categories have increased ranging from 6% for 25 to 28.5 ton capacity vehicles to 43% for 31 to 36 ton capacity vehicles. The prices of 1.5 to 2 ton capacity vehicles rose by 38%, between 2 to 3.5-ton capacity rose by 22% and that of 3.5 to 7.5 ton capacity rose by 21%. We observed a marginal increase in the prices of vehicles between 7.5 to 19 ton capacities ranging from 7% to 9%. Interestingly, prices of 37 to 43.5-ton capacity increased by 18% YOY.
• On a MoM basis, except for the prices of 1.5 to 2-ton capacity vehicles dropping by 6%, vehicles between 2 to 16-ton capacity vehicles rose between 7% and 21%. Interestingly, prices for vehicles in the 3.5 to 7.5 tons capacity did not change at all. The prices of vehicles in the 16 to 43.5-ton capacity saw a drop in prices ranging from 4% to 9% except for the 25 to 28.5-ton vehicles where prices increased by a meager 1%.

Mr. YS Chakravarti, MD & CEO of Shriram Finance Ltd. speaking about the June 2024 Mobility Bulletin said, “With the new government in place and with monsoon rain expected to gain strength, businesses are hopeful that policy action from the government will help push economic activity into a higher orbit. The slowdown across sectors including road transport, vehicle sales appears temporary.”

Shriram Finance Limited also believes that the ongoing Kharif season, which will head towards harvest by mid-August could boost the sales of Agricultural, Trailer, and Commercial Tractors.

Michael Mapes Announces Relocation to Sioux City, Iowa, and Upcoming Relaunch of The Wealth Creation Institute

Sioux City, IA, July 15, 2024 –Renowned business coach and bestselling author, Michael Mapes, is thrilled to announce the relocation of his operations to Sioux City, Iowa. This move marks an exciting new chapter for Michael Mapes and his acclaimed coaching services and training program, The Wealth Creation Institute, which has been on hiatus since 2016.

Michael Mapes, the author of the bestseller “The Conscious Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating Wealth,” has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs worldwide achieve six and seven-figure milestones. After a successful foray into the marketing agency sphere, Michael recognized the irreplaceable value of personalized, one-on-one coaching for entrepreneurs navigating today’s challenging business landscape.

A New Chapter in Sioux City

The move to Sioux City aligns perfectly with Michael’s vision for the future of The Wealth Creation Institute. “I’ve been blown away by the amount of incredible, diverse, and vibrant businesses and activities in Sioux City,” said Michael. “I am eager to contribute to the local economy and support the growth of conscious entrepreneurs in this dynamic city.”

Announcing the Relaunch

The Wealth Creation Institute will soon resume its mission of empowering purpose-driven entrepreneurs. Michael’s coaching focuses on the Five Wealth Creation Foundations: vision, audience, offerings, marketing, and sales. This personalized approach ensures that each entrepreneur receives tailored guidance that generic courses cannot provide.

“In today’s crowded marketplace, conscious entrepreneurs face unprecedented challenges such as increased competition, complexity, and costs,” Michael explained. “My goal is to provide high-quality, actionable insights that help entrepreneurs tap into their unique value and market themselves authentically.”

Stay tuned for more details about the exciting relaunch of The Wealth Creation Institute, coming next week.