29, Nov 2023
Tata International expands operations in Nigeria at Lagos Free Zone

Hyderabad: November 2023: Tata International is set to expand operations in Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ). The agreement was signed in the presence of Anand Sen, Managing Director of Tata International Limited, by Managing Director of Tata Africa Holdings Pty Ltd, Len Brand. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to the region.

lagos free zone

 With a rich legacy spanning over four decades, Tata International is a key contributor to the economic landscape of the African continent. In 2006, Tata International established operations in Nigeria and since then has made a significant contribution to the country, upholding the core values of Tata’s business ethics and commitment to corporate social responsibility.

 “As a brand synonymous with quality products and ethical business operations in Africa, Tata International is excited to join the Lagos Free Zone. This strategic move reflects our commitment to fuelling growth in Nigeria and the wider African continent”, says Anand Sen, MD, Tata International.

 Promoted by Tolaram, a Singaporean conglomerate with over four decades of experience in Nigeria, LFZ is in Lekki, the sunrise development corridor earmarked by the Lagos State Government for driving industrialization over the next two decades. The agreement with LFZ involves the leasing of a state-of-the-art 6000-square-meter facility within LFZ, a move aimed at enhancing Tata International’s operational capabilities in the region.

 “The participation in Lagos Free Zone is the next level of commitment for Tata International’s longstanding presence in Nigeria and the African continent as a whole. This collaboration with Tolaram underscores our dedication to fostering economic growth and increased competitiveness. We aim for this partnership to lead to greater efficiency, innovation, and specialization in the region,” added Len Brand, MD of Tata Africa Holdings.

 The signing ceremony took place in the Lagos Free Zone area and was attended by key representatives from Tata International, Tolaram, and Lagos Free Zone. The event signifies the dawn of a new era in the relationship between the entities, aiming to contribute to economic development in the region and attract new investors to Nigeria, recognized as one of the key economies in the continent.

 “Tata International remains steadfast in its vision to build and sustain relationships in Africa. The company’s entry into the Lagos Free Zone reaffirms its commitment to creating opportunities and making a positive impact on local communities. We stand by our pledge to strengthen our already robust footprint on the African continent,” concluded Brand.

 Navin Nahata, a member of the Tolaram Board and the Managing Director of its infrastructure and fintech business, added: “We are delighted that Tata International, one of our most prestigious international clients, has decided to expand their operations in Nigeria through our ready-to-lease Standard Industrial Facility at the LFZ. We are committed to supporting the next phase of growth in Nigeria for Tata International.”

 “LFZ is the first and only free zone in Nigeria that is uniquely integrated with the deepest seaport in the region, the Lekki Port, which commenced operations in April 2023. LFZ thus offers a unique location that will provide our valued tenants with seamless and cost-efficient access to domestic, regional, and international markets.”, said Dinesh Rathi, CEO and Managing Director at Lagos Free Zone.

29, Nov 2023
The Advertising Club collaborates with MICA to introduce Leadership and Management Development Programme on Performance Marketing

29th November 2023; Mumbai, India: The Advertising Club today announces a partnership with India’s leading marketing and communication management institute, MICA – The School of Ideas, for an online programme on Performance Marketing. Kickstarting in January 2024, the collaborative initiative is aimed towards empowering individuals with industry-relevant skills and knowledge through a specially curated leadership and management development module on Performance Marketing. The programme is designed to help experienced professionals, as well as freshers, develop the contemporary need-of-the-hour capabilities that employers are seeking in order to maintain their competitive advantage.

 The 36-hour intense live online programme is curated in a workshop format by industry and academic experts and will include a significant level of self-study. Designed for advertising and marketing professionals, creative specialists, digital marketing experts, and learning enthusiasts, the Performance Marketing programme will include live teaching sessions, self-learning, and group learning and will culminate with an evaluation which will include assessments, presentations and quizzes. Spanning 9 weeks, the programme will cover the basics and advanced technicalities of performance marketing, social media marketing, display advertising, email and affiliate marketing, SEO & SEM, targeting and audience segmentation, Generative AI, Machine Learning and much more, ensuring a holistic learning experience.

 Speaking on the partnership with MICA, Rana Barua, President, of The Advertising Club said, “The landscape of the MarTech industry is constantly evolving. With this programme, we aim to provide a platform for freshers and experienced professionals and empower them to upskill their knowledge, thereby becoming industry-ready. We believe this collaboration will foster learning, transform careers, inspire creativity, and ultimately elevate standards within our industry.”

 Mayank Kumar, Professor at MICA, further said, “At MICA, we unravel the intricate layers of Performance Marketing, offering a panoramic view of its evolution and strategies. Join our experts as they decode the dynamic marketing landscape, empowering your prowess in this ever-evolving field.” The Performance Marketing programme will commence in January 2024, starting with 2 live sessions each week conducted over Zoom. More details on the programme can be found on The Advertising Club website as well as the MICA website.

29, Nov 2023
The Cristallo Hinge by BLUM for Crystal Clear Designs

Thanks to Cristallo hinges, you can create elegant crystal-clear glass showcases and cabinets with glass or mirrors. These high-quality hinges have been specially crafted to suit the needs of the current trends.

  Be it living rooms or bathrooms, the all-new Cristallo hinge gives new possibilities for designing your furniture. It is a combination of exquisite design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional motion quality. This revolutionary hinge for glass and mirror doors has the soft-close BLUMOTION feature built in. The hinge achieves a unique level of stability, ensuring it meets the toughest of requirements.

 One certainly does not want the hinges to peep out of the finely furnished glass doors, and thus, the soft-close CLIP top BLUMOTION CRISTALLO comes to the rescue. Its linear design ensures the new hinge blends discreetly into furniture such as glass display cabinets. Though they might look small in size, they can hold onto heavy doors.

 CLIP top BLUMOTION CRISTALLO can be used in a very wide range of glass display cabinets – without glass drilling.

28, Nov 2023
Strategic planning in project logistics: Lessons from the field

By Mr. Darshan Ghodawat, CEO and Managing Director, AVA Global Logistics LLP

In the dynamic landscape of project logistics, the convergence of technology, engineering, analytics, and intuition has emerged as a cornerstone for effective strategic planning. This fusion creates a holistic approach, enabling professionals to navigate the intricacies of complex projects seamlessly. Successful project logistics is not merely about moving goods from point A to B; it’s a sophisticated orchestration that demands a comprehensive skill set.

For instance, one has to deal with many unknowns because the project is always unique and geography is different Adapting to uncertainties is as crucial as the technical expertise required for execution. Greenfield and brownfield projects come with a unique set of risks and challenges, and shipment strategies like stick-built or modular supply play a crucial role in procurement decisions. Transportation Engineering, Route Survey, Estimation, and Planning are integral to mitigating these challenges.

Transportation Engineering aims at effective and safe handling of goods across all legs of transportation. Route Survey becomes vital in assessing the feasibility of transportation paths, considering factors like terrain, infrastructure, and obstacles and not merely the statutory restrictions.

Darshan Ghodawat 1

Estimation and Planning involve meticulous calculation of resources, time, and costs, providing a roadmap for seamless execution despite the complexities inherent in large-magnitude projects. Whether it is navigating the unknown routes to a new construction site in the most optimal manner or handling complex loading and unloading operations involving roll on – roll off or lift on – lift off or float on – float off operations contributing significantly to the success of project delivery.

Data-driven decision-making is gaining importance in project logistics estimation. This data-driven approach is a fundamental shift that has the potential to revolutionize project logistics planning. Integrated technology plays a crucial role in this data-driven evolution. Leveraging on technologies like IOT, Machine Learning, and Blockchain enables real-time tracking, performance analysis, predictions and forecasting, automated decisions, and automated trust empowering logistics professionals to unlock efficiencies on the fly.

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, eco-friendly logistics options have become an integral component of strategic planning. Aligning logistics practices with environmental goals reflects corporate responsibility and opens avenues for cost savings. From choosing fuel-efficient transportation modes to implementing sustainable packaging, environmentally conscious logistics choices are a testament to the industry’s commitment to a greener future.

In conclusion, project logistics is evolving, and strategic planning is at its core. Drawing lessons from the integration of technology, engineering, analytics, and intuition the industry continues to navigate the complexities of project logistics.

28, Nov 2023
SAMCO Mutual Fund Introduces Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund (DAAF) Offering Unmatched Investment Stability and Growth Potential

Bangalore – November 28, 2023 – SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, a distinguished investment management firm, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund (DAAF). This unique fund is designed to provide investors with an unparalleled blend of stability, growth potential, and downside protection in today’s dynamic market environment.

This is India’s first DAAF that follows a momentum model with the capability to move to debt entirely in tough times. There does not exist a similar model in the category. Models of most of the other Hybrid BAF/DAAFs follow valuation models built on P/B, P/E, etc.

One of the key challenges faced by investors in India has been the fear associated with market volatility and drawdowns. SAMCO Mutual Fund recognizes these concerns and has developed the DAAF with a focus on reducing volatility and drawdowns while optimizing returns.

With SAMCO DAAF, investors can enjoy the advantages of equity investments while minimizing drawdowns and maintaining the flexibility to withdraw their capital when needed.

SAMCO MF’s DAAF employs an innovative investment strategy based on the proprietary TRANSFORMER model. This model allows the fund to adjust its equity exposure from 0% to 100% based on market trends. By swiftly transitioning between equity and debt investments in real-time, the fund mitigates risks and curtails drawdowns, providing investors with a unique sense of security and stability.

The principal asset allocation of the fund shall be determined based on momentum in equity markets and extreme mean reversion signals which shall be calculated using SAMCO MF’s proprietary TRANSFORMER model. Fundamentally the scheme will operate based on trend-following strategies i.e., when markets are in clear uptrends with lower volatility, equity allocations shall be higher and when markets are breaking down, in correction or bear market phases, net equity allocations shall be zero or at extremely low levels. Only in extreme panic or euphoric conditions, the scheme will move to mean reversion models and build equity exposure in bear markets or cut equity exposure in bull markets. Rebalancing based on the model shall happen on a real-time dynamic basis and will not follow a monthly/quarterly rebalancing model.

The factors for determining the Asset allocation shall be dependent on the following factors: Trends in Equity Markets, Rate Spread in Bond Yields, Averages such as SMA/EMA and deviation of price from averages thereof, Net new 52-week highs and lows, Stock Price Breadth & Volumes, US Fed’s Funds Rates & Yield curve, Options Volatility & VIX, Relative Strength across Asset Classes & Securities, Market Cap to GDP Valuations & Money Supply, Equity Earnings Yields & Rolling Returns on Trailing basis & Retail trading activity.

Umeshkumar Mehta, Chief Investment Officer (CIO), SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, said, “SAMCO Mutual Fund is proud to introduce the Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund, a result of our commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of investors in India. With DAAF, we offer a game-changing solution that combines the potential for good returns with an attempt to minimize drawdowns. Our innovative approach, backed by the TRANSFORMER model, ensures that investors can navigate market fluctuations with confidence. We believe DAAF will redefine the way investors perceive and approach their investments, offering them peace of mind and long-term wealth creation opportunities.”

Salient Features:

image003

Commenting on the launch, Viraj Gandhi, CEO of SAMCO Asset Management Private Limited, said, “At SAMCO Mutual Fund, we are driven by a commitment to empower investors with innovative and robust financial solutions. The launch of our Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund marks yet another significant step in our journey to provide investors with stability, growth, and peace of mind. We believe this fund, helmed by experienced professionals, will redefine investment experiences and set new benchmarks in the industry.”

Instruments Indicative allocations

(% of net assets)

Risk Profile
Minimum Maximum
Equity & Equity related instruments including derivatives 0% 100% Very High
Debt and Money Market Instruments, including Units of Debt oriented mutual fund schemes 0% 100% Low to Moderate

The SAMCO DAAF’s New Fund Offering (NFO), commences on December 07, 2023, and concludes on December 21, 2023. The scheme reopens for continuous sale and repurchase within five business days from the date of allotment.

28, Nov 2023
Ashwin Sheth Group unveils Kandivali’s one of the tallest mixed-use developments, ‘EDMONT Aurelia’

Bangalore, 28th November 2023: The Ashwin Sheth Group, a veteran leader in real estate luxury development, unveils its 15th project in Kandivali, ‘EDMONT’ along with a joint venture with K Hemani. Spanning over 2.02 acres, this mixed-use development has integrated retail spaces and nestled in Kandivali West is adorned with a 51-story skyscraper. Comprising three meticulously crafted towers, EDMONT Aurelia will be launching in the first phase and offers spacious 2,3 BHK and Jodi flats (2 BHK and 2 BHK) starting from 761 Sq. Ft at Rs.2.09 crores onwards.

EDMONT distinguishes itself as a haven of recreational activities, emphasizing expansive open spaces, verdant greenery, and meticulous planning across 60% of its area, situated near the serene Manori Creek. This project exemplifies the Ashwin Sheth Group’s unwavering commitment to excellence, embodying the company’s vision of transcending conventional boundaries to offer residents a lifestyle seamlessly blending modernity and comfort.

Ashwin Sheth, CMD, Ashwin Sheth Group

Expressing his vision for the launch, Mr. Ashwin Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director, of Ashwin Sheth Group, said, “EDMONT is more than just a residential project; it’s a transformational journey for Kandivali. We are committed to elevating Kandivali into an upmarket suburb in Mumbai. Our focus is on creating a superior lifestyle and curated amenities to enhance lifestyles. We are excited to fulfil the aspirations of homebuyers by providing spacious and expansive homes.”

EDMONT Building Elevation_Artist Impression

EDMONT, the epitome of opulent living, presents a selection of more than 25+ best-in-class amenities, meticulously curated to foster an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury and well-being. Nestled in a strategic location with seamless access to South Mumbai via S.V. Road and Link Road, EDMONT stands as a premier residential and lifestyle hub designed to cater to the diverse needs of discerning homebuyers. The location is well-connected to major commercial hubs like Malad, Goregaon, and Andheri. With its strategic location, evolving infrastructure, and potential for growth, Kandivali is poised to continue its ascent as one of Mumbai’s most coveted residential areas.

The project seamlessly integrates nature into its design, offering residents a tranquil escape amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Renowned for contemporary design, superior construction quality, and meticulously planned landscapes in each project, the Ashwin Sheth Group returns to Kandivali with EDMONT and sets a new benchmark in luxury living experience.

28, Nov 2023
ICICI Bank opens a branch in Jaipur

Jaipur: ICICI Bank has set up a branch in Jaipur, the 101st branch of the Bank in the city. Housed at Jewel of India Society at J.L.N. Marg, the branch is equipped with an ATM- cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to customers.

Shri Rajeeva Swarup, President, Jewel of India Resident Welfare Association, Jaipur, inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, including savings and current accounts, trade and forex services, fixed and recurring deposits, loans- business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, and gold loan along with remittance and card services. The branch also offers banking services to NRI customers. It further provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M to 3:00 P.M on Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers a Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include the opening of accounts, Fixed Deposit (FD), raising chequebook request, generation of e- statements, and change of address, among others.

The new branch also provides Private Banking Solutions that covers a wide range of services such as investment banking, treasury management, real estate, succession planning, and business counselling, among others.

ICICI Bank has a network of about 545 branches and 955 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs), which creates the largest branch network among private sector banks in Rajasthan. More than half of the Bank’s branches are set up in rural and semi-urban areas of the state.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centers, internet banking (www.icicibank.com), and mobile banking.

28, Nov 2023
Step into the Future of Home Safety with Goldmedal’s i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi Video Door Phone

Bangalore, 28th November 2023: Goldmedal Electricals, a leading consumer electronic brand introduced the latest product on home security solution the i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi video door phone. This product offers a unique experience that enhances home security and well-being with advanced technology.

i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi Video Door Phone blends advanced surveillance capabilities with mobile phone compatibility, significantly enhancing home security. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, this device provides clear and detailed footage. Its motion detection technology alerts homeowners of any activity, ensuring vigilant monitoring. Additionally, this door phone can be controlled and accessed conveniently through smartphones.

Commenting on the launch of the i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi Video Door Phone, Bishan Jain, Director, of Goldmedal Electricals, said, “At Goldmedal Electricals, we are committed to the safety of living spaces. The i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi Video Door Phone, equipped with advanced features for home safety and real-time monitoring, represents a pivotal step in this direction. With the launch of this advanced solution, we aim to enhance the security and overall well-being of homes.”

The global door phone market size to be valued at USD 5.1 billion by 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period. Growing safety concerns in residential and commercial spaces due to the access of unauthorized persons is raising the demand for safety devices such as door phones. It not only increases home security but also offers great convenience when integrated with the access control system.

Goldmedal’s i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi Video Door Phone

Other features of the i-Secure 18 Video Wi-Fi Door Phone include:

· Wi-Fi Door Phone – A Wi-Fi door phone is a device designed to see and communicate with the visitors at your door through your smartphone or other connected devices, regardless of your physical location

· Monitoring System – A system or device has the capability to monitor and observe an area, typically through the use of cameras or other surveillance equipment

· No indoor unit – Install the Wi-Fi door phone kit and no need to install an indoor unit to talk to the visitor. Any person ringing the bell will be visible on your mobile phone and you can talk to or verify the visitor through your phone itself

· Separate Chime – A separate chime in a video door phone system, also known as a wireless chime or an external chime, is an additional component that can be paired with the main video doorbell unit. This separate chime serves as an auditory alert mechanism inside your home

This product is available both online and in retail stores. The i-Secure 18 Wi-Fi Video Door Phone comes with a warranty of 12 months.

28, Nov 2023
Rajat Kumar Jain ex-MD of Xerox India and Walt Disney India appointed as Chairman of Fino Payments Bank

Mumbai, 28 November 2023: Fino Payments Bank Limited (“Fino Bank”, “The Bank”) is progressing on the plans for the next phase of digital-led growth and preparing for its evolution in Fino 2.0 avataar. The Bank has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”) vide its letter dated November 24, 2023, for the appointment of Mr. Rajat Kumar Jain, Independent Director, as Part-time Chairman of the Bank w.e.f. November 24, 2023, till November 01, 2025.

 Mr. Rajat Kumar Jain, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, is an accomplished corporate executive turned entrepreneur and business mentor/angel investor and serves as a non-executive director on various Boards including group companies of Aditya Birla and Mahindra conglomerates. Mr. Jain brings over three decades of strategic leadership experience across the Consumer, Telecom, Media, and Technology sectors. He is the Founder and Director of PadUp Ventures, a knowledge and mentoring platform that provides deep mentoring, incubation, and acceleration services to early-stage tech startups across sectors including Fintech.

 Mr. Rishi Gupta, MD & CEO, Fino Payments Bank said, “We are delighted on the appointment of Mr. Rajat Kumar Jain as the Part-time Chairman of the Board at a very crucial juncture of the Bank’s journey. His experience and expertise across sectors, especially in technology will have a strong bearing on our business model. We are fortunate to have his guidance as Fino Bank strengthens its digital ecosystem to realize its growth potential.”

Mr. Rajat Kumar Jain said, “I am excited to be a part of the Bank’s journey as its Non- Executive Chairman of the Board. It is an interesting phase as the Bank is at a cusp of its evolution into its new digital avatar. In a short span of six years, the Bank has achieved remarkable milestones, with consistent profitability being the key. As the Bank aims to expand its horizons, I look forward to working with my colleagues at the Board and senior management team at Fino Bank towards creating a differentiated digital Bank.”

28, Nov 2023
Waaree Energies Supplies 850 MW Solar PV Modules to Acciona Energia for Four Projects in Texas, Ohio and Illinois

●Waaree signs a three-year deal with Acciona to supply an additional 1.5 GW solar modules for US installations through 2026
●Waaree has now supplied more than 4 GW of solar modules to the US in 2023

Bangalore, November 28, 2023: Waaree Energies Limited, a leading global renewable energy company, has announced it has successfully supplied 850 MW solar PV modules for projects under development in the U.S. by Acciona Energia, a Spain-based renewable energy leader that operates more than 1 GW of solar, wind power and industrial-scale energy storage projects in the U.S. The companies also announced a three-year agreement in which Waaree – a major provider to the U.S. market – will supply another 1.5 GW of solar modules to Acciona for additional U.S. projects from 2024-2026. In supplying 850 MW solar PV modules, Waaree delivered its monocrystalline passivated emitter and rear cell panels for four major solar projects: 56 MW in Fort Bend (Texas); 129 MW in High Point (Illinois); 288 MW in Union (Ohio); and 375 MW in Red-Tailed Hawk Solar (Texas) projects. With these successful deliveries, Waaree has now supplied more than 4 GW of solar modules to customers in the United States in 2023.

Waaree delivered the modules four weeks ahead of schedule, enabling Acciona to meet its project commercial operation date timelines. In line with Waaree’s commitment to ensuring the appropriate standards of product quality and performance, the solar modules supplied for the projects have undergone internal and third-party quality testing. Under the terms of the three-year supply agreement, Waaree Energies will supply Acciona with an additional 1.5 GW of its N-Type TOPCON modules for Acciona’s projects in the United States from 2024 to 2026. A total of 2.34 GW of order is to be delivered, out of which Waaree Energies has already delivered 850 MW.

 Sunil Rathi, Director of Sales, Waaree Energies, India said: “We are delighted to be a trusted partner to Acciona Energia. With successful deliveries of solar PV modules for projects such as High Point, Fort Bend, Union, and Red-Tailed Hawk, Waaree Energies Limited has established itself as one of the most reliable solar module suppliers operating in the US market. At a time when the U.S. solar sector has faced supply chain challenges, Waaree has showcased its ability to deliver reliable module supplies while demonstrating a commitment to maintaining product quality standards. We look forward to contributing to the clean energy transition across the United States and other global markets.”

 Rafael Mateo Alcalá, CEO of Acciona Energía, said: “We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of a significant milestone in our partnership with Waaree Energies. This collaboration has been pivotal in achieving the supply of 850 MW solar PV modules for Acciona Energia’s major projects in the United States. Waaree’s commitment to excellence is evident in the delivery of its high performance. This achievement not only underscores the strength of our collaboration but also reinforces our dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions. We look forward to continuing this successful journey with Waaree Energies as we strive to make significant contributions to the renewable energy landscape in the U.S.”

 The U.S. solar market has seen an average annual growth of 24% over the past 10 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and that growth is expected to continue. In the first half of 2023, solar comprised 45% of all new generating capacity. 4.4% of single-family homes in the U.S. have solar PV systems installed, and that is expected to grow to 15% by 2030, per an analysis of government research by USA Facts.

 A celebratory event was held to commemorate the successful completion of the supply of 850 MW solar PV modules, attended by representatives from the senior management teams of Waaree Energies and Acciona Energia.