15, Nov 2023
Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited (Chola) Continues to Empower Truckers’ Children
National, 15th November 2023: Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited (Chola), the financial services arm of the Murugappa Group, remains steadfast in its commitment to making a significant positive impact on the lives of children from the trucker’s community. Through its ongoing partnership with the Women Organization for the Rural (WORD), Chola has been instrumental in the success of the “My Dream Scholarship Program” for the past four years.
This program benefitted over 750+ students, providing them with essential scholarships to pursue higher education in secondary and higher education institutions including engineering courses. The scholarship has been helpful in ensuring that these young individuals are not compelled to enter the labour force prematurely.
The “My Dream Scholarship Program” has focused on the Namakkal and the surrounding seven districts of Tamil Nadu, where there is a substantial trucking community. The Commercial vehicle crew Members have erratic income due to many factors, making it challenging for their children to afford quality education.

Chola recognizes the potential within these communities and has tried to solve the problem by providing educational scholarships to support the aspirations of first-generation learners.
It is committed to support the education and aspirations of these students who often face unique challenges due to their parents’ profession. Chola believes that investing in their futures not only benefits these individuals but also contributes to the growth and success of India.
Mr. Ravindra Kundu, Executive Director of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Truck drivers play an immensely crucial role in the better development of our economy, sacrificing time away from their families to transport goods over long distances. Taking up the responsibility of their children is something we are committed to, and we have plans to expand our initiative to benefit other categories of beneficiaries. We aim to extend our helping hands to students affected by Covid-19 across the country, children of cleaners, truck workshop employees, underprivileged auto drivers, and ex-servicemen.”
Chola’s dedication to improving the well-being of children from the commercial vehicle community is exemplified through its commitment to knowledge, innovation, and transformative actions. The “My Dream Scholarship Program” serves as a beacon of hope, providing young individuals with opportunities to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
- 0
- By Rabindra
15, Nov 2023
The Air Quality Awakening in Indian Real Estate
– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
India’s battle against worsening air quality is reshaping its residential real estate landscape. As urbanization, industrialization, and population growth propel this environmental challenge, home buyers are increasingly seeking healthier living spaces.
The Heart of the Problem: City Centers
Indian city centers, notorious for their high pollution levels, suffer from several contributing factors:
Traffic Congestion: The bustling city centers, with their dense population and heavy traffic, lead to significant vehicular emissions.
Industrial Emissions: Proximity to industrial areas, often equipped with outdated pollution control technologies, exacerbates the problem.
Urban Heat Island Effect: A concentration of concrete structures and human activities amplifies city temperatures, increasing pollutant levels.
Lack of Greenery: The dearth of parks and green spaces in overdeveloped urban centers deprives these areas of natural air filters.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Suburban Shift
In contrast, the suburbs, with their lower population densities and abundant open spaces, offer a respite from urban pollution. Planned cities like Chandigarh, Navi Mumbai, and PCMC (Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) exemplify the separation of industrial and residential zones, enhancing air quality in these outskirts.
In unplanned areas, the suburban paradise faces threats from rapid real estate development, potentially transforming green sanctuaries into urban-like polluted environments.
Integrated Townships – A Breath of Fresh Air
Addressing this dilemma, the real estate industry introduces integrated townships, a model designed to withstand the future’s environmental challenges.
– Greener Living Spaces: Emphasizing parks and gardens, these townships offer a greener environment.
– Minimized Vehicular Pollution: By housing schools, shopping areas, and recreational facilities, townships reduce the need for external commutes.
– Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Features like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling promote a sustainable living environment.
– Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Integrated township development plans include large green spaces, tree-lined streets, artificial water bodies, and renewable energy sources to combat heat build-up.
With a master plan locking in these benefits, integrated townships ensure that today’s green living also remains tomorrow’s reality.

Avoiding Choking Hazards – Tips for Aspiring Home Buyers
First and foremost, look at historical air quality data for different areas. This information is often available through environmental monitoring agencies or online air quality indexes. Use apps and websites that provide real-time air quality information to assess current conditions. While shortlisting locations, look for the availability of or at least proximity to green spaces. Opt for areas near parks, forests, or open spaces, as they typically have better air quality. Avoid locations near major highways, industrial areas, or other known pollution sources.
Also keep in mind that higher elevation areas often have better air quality due to reduced pollution levels.
Assess the quality of roads and public transport to ensure reduced traffic congestion and emissions. If possible, check the area’s infrastructure and development plans to understand what changes you can expect in the future that will cause potential changes in air quality. While inspecting the home you are interested in, check to see if it has a good ventilation system to filter out pollutants. Also bear in mind that energy-efficient homes often have better air quality due to well-sealed and insulated environments.
And finally, ensure that you also take personal measures to improve the indoor air quality. Plan to use indoor plants and ensure regular maintenance of HVAC systems to keep indoor air clean.
Conclusion
As air quality becomes a pivotal factor in home buying decisions, it’s crucial for buyers to prioritize features that ensure a pollution-free and healthy living space. By doing so, they can safeguard their and their family’s health while enjoying the comforts of modern living.
While integrated township living can be the smartest choice amid urban India’s rapidly deteriorating air quality profile, every home buying choice must be done with enough foresight and understanding. Today’s pristine environment may become tomorrow’s gas chamber. Ensure that your family can breathe easy – not only now, but also in the years ahead.
About the Author:
Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.
14, Nov 2023
AlpFin Welcomes Industry Expert Chris de Sibert as Global Head of Sales & Marketing
Global – 14th November 2023 – Alp Financial Ltd (AlpFin) the global trading technology service provider for institutional clients is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris de Sibert who has joined the agency brokerage as the Global Head of Sales and Marketing. With a career spanning 30 years in foreign exchange sales at Tier 1 banks and FinTech companies, Chris brings a wealth of expertise that will play a pivotal role in driving AlpFin’s institutional strategy forward.
Having held key positions at institutions such as MUFG, HSBC, Bank of America, and RBS, he will be collaborating closely with Andrea Sanna, AlpFin’s Global Head of Liquidity Management and Operations, to collaboratively chart a path for strategic success.

Andrea Sanna, Global Head of Liquidity Management at AlpFin, who spearheaded the hiring process, expressed great pride in welcoming Chris to the AlpFin team:
“I am confident that Chris de Sibert will make a significant impact here at AlpFin as our new Global Head of Sales and Marketing. I am eager to see his contributions as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities within our industry. The ever-evolving landscape within the institutional liquidity management space demands innovative solutions and new opportunities beckon for astute, forward-thinking strategies. Chris’s skill set and proven track record position him as a catalyst for progress as we seize new opportunities that will propel us toward continued success in exciting and new markets.”
In accepting his new role, Chris de Sibert, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at AlpFin remarked, “It is well-known that I have a great passion for making businesses grow, and I am excited to take on this opportunity to work with AlpFin to achieve the most challenging goals, always putting the success of customers first. The dynamic interplay of challenges and opportunities within our industry fuels my passion to innovate and drive meaningful change. I am committed to making a profound impact at AlpFin, leveraging my expertise to navigate hurdles and transform opportunities into pathways for collective success.”
As AlpFin embraces this strategic addition to its leadership team, the company looks forward to leveraging Chris’s expertise to enhance its market presence and deliver exceptional value to clients.
14, Nov 2023
Unveiling India’s Trade Tapestry: India International Trade Fair 2023 Kicks Off at Pragati Maidan
# Endless Trade Possibilities on Display for Two Weeks in Delhi

14th Nov, 2023, New Delhi: On November 14, Pragati Maidan opens its doors to the India International Trade Fair, where 5,000 exhibitors converge to showcase the rich tapestry of India’s trade culture. Partnered by Kerala and Bihar, the fair spotlights states like Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh under the theme ‘Vasudhai Vakutumbakam: United by Trade,’ orchestrated by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
*Kerala Pavilion: Tracing Trade Heritage from Muziris to Vizhinjam Port*
Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu inaugurates the Kerala Pavilion, a 624-square-foot testament to Kerala’s trade history, featuring Muziris heritage and the recent achievement of Vizhinjam port. With 44 stalls narrating the state’s commercial evolution, the pavilion aims to provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase Kerala’s ethnicity and culture.
Business to Business Focus: Opening Nov 14–18, Public Welcome from Nov 19–27
Running from November 14 to 27, the fair dedicates the first five days exclusively to business visitors, creating a B2B atmosphere. Ticket prices range from Rs 500 for adults during business days to Rs 80 for weekdays during general public visitation.
Aiming to foster local entrepreneurship, the fair promises a vibrant showcase of India’s trade diversity at Pragati Maidan.
14, Nov 2023
Almond publishes its first Insider Threat report
Sèvres, 14th November 2023: In cyber security, the insider threat is particularly difficult to identify, and can cause a great deal of harm to organizations. In its Insider Threat report, Almond proposes an analysis of this threat and suggests how companies can protect themselves against it.
Insider Threat is the one of the first in-depth work on the sensitive and complex subject of insider threat in terms of cyber security. The report analyses the nature of this insider threat, the legal action that companies can take in order to tackle it, and the measures that can be set up to protect against it. After Threat Landscape 2023, its first report on the state of cyber threats published last April, Insider Threat continues Almond’s policy of providing detailed analyses of the key problems involved in cyber security.
The most important points in the Insider Threat report
Insider threat is formidable, particularly because it is multi-dimensional and can outwit all the classic protection measures. Also, it is notably difficult to detect, whether it originates from a malicious insider (an individual or group of individuals who take advantage of their knowledge of the company’s computer system and, either for money or revenge, provide criminals with access), from a negligent insider (who is ignorant of security procedures or who is operating in a situation where control and security are too lax), or from an external insider (e.g. one of the company’s regular partners or suppliers).
In order for companies to provide themselves with effective legal protection, contracts must include confidentiality, non-competition clauses, and internal rules of procedure that must specify security regulations with regard to computer systems. Furthermore, harm done to computer systems (unauthorized access to data, data theft, misappropriation of intellectual property, the divulging of business secrets, fraud…) is punishable under French law.
In order to combat insider threat, a company must first understand the true nature of it and the risks to the organization. Then it must evaluate the consequences of malicious behaviour, set up appropriate security procedures, train all staff in the requirements of cyber security, impose a strict access policy (a “zero trust” approach), and, if necessary, use software for user behaviour analysis.
Almond’s CTI CWATCH
Almond has created its own department dedicated to intelligence on cyber threats – CTI CWATCH. Almond’s ability to contextualise information helps decision-makers to take any current threats into account when carrying out operations. The versatility of the CTI team means they can provide a company with the means to protect itself at a high level of operational strategy, by means of actionable information processed both from a European and a French perspective. Almond’s publications are regularly updated and can be accessed on a dedicated threat intelligence platform that gives information about the sort of people who make threats, reports on different sectors, makes geopolitical analyses from the cyber standpoint and provides notes on malicious software and other tools, as well as on points of vulnerability.
When cyber-criminals recruit through the Internet
In its report, Almond provides numerous examples of insider threat causing major harm to businesses. It also analyses the behaviour of groups of cyber-criminals, notably regarding the “recruitment” of insiders, particularly from banks, hospitals, social network platforms, public services, and online payment platforms. One of these groups posted the following advertisement on Telegram: “Do you work for a company that you hate with all the depth of your being? Or did your boss fire you without thinking to stop your access to the computer system? You will find solace in our welcoming arms.”
“20% of cyberattacks on organisations come from individuals within those organisations, acting intentionally and sometimes with premeditation. There are more and more examples of connections between insider threat and criminal organisations, which increases the breadth of the attacks. Classic means of defence are often difficult to set up and maybe extremely burdensome. This is why Almond proposes an in-depth threat analysis, for, although threats can be well identified, they are not often studied. In particular, Almond analyses the different types of incidents and offers workable solutions.”
Jean-Francois Aliotti And Olivier Pantaleo,
Co-Directors Of Almond
13, Nov 2023
PMR’s Festive Fervor: Spreading Joy with Elders and Children this Diwali!
New Delhi, November 2023: In the radiant spirit of Diwali, the festival that illuminates lives and spreads joy, PM Relocations Pvt. Ltd. (PMR), a global relocation firm, has embraced the true essence of the occasion. Demonstrating compassion and a commitment to making a positive impact, PMR reached out to the elderly residents of NEMA Eldercare, as well as the underprivileged children supported by the Robinhood Army (RHA) and Harmony House those in need during this festive season.

Ms. Aakansha Bhargava, CEO of PM Relocations Pvt Ltd expressed, “I am extremely happy and thrilled to be kickstarting the festive season this year with something so special and meaningful. Each year, PMR tries its best to plan activities that help us give more and more to society, as well as ensure that everyone feels an integral part of the ongoing festive celebrations in India. Our excitement stems from our desire to use PMR’s platform towards the betterment of members of society, be it the elderly community or children from underprivileged sections of society.”
On this auspicious occasion, the team at PMR joyfully volunteered at the NEMA Eldercare to seek the blessing of elders. During their visit, the team played games with the elders, shared sweets, and was honored to present the residents with wheelchairs. One of the volunteers expressed their profound joy saying, “Interacting with the elders today filled my heart with joy, and connecting with them was truly blissful.”
Continuing their festive activities, PMR celebrated Diwali with the children of RHA and Harmony House, two notable charitable organizations for aspiring little kids. PMR volunteers orchestrated engaging activities with children such as diya painting and card making. Apart from these sweets were distributed to share the sweetness and harmony on the occasion. The children at Harmony House delighted the team through a captivating welcome performance.
With a steadfast dedication and longstanding commitment to the advancement of sports, PMR has taken the initiative to empower the potential of budding athletes at Harmony House and decided to aid in building a sports infrastructure for the children, actively supporting the dreams of young talent this Diwali.
PMR shares a long-term and heartwarming connection with the institutions dedicated to the well-being of children and the elderly. As a kind gesture, the children from Lakshyam Foundation and Dream Girl Foundation visited the PMR House to joyously celebrate Diwali together. Their lively performances and shared cheers spread an air of delight, making the event memorable.
Additionally, PMR has an ongoing charity drive to donate clothes for elders and children, along with an ongoing toy bank donation at their offices across the country. They are committed to significantly contributing and empowering young children and elders through their initiatives.
13, Nov 2023
Goldmedal Celebrates the Spirit of Diwali with a New Ad Campaign ‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’
India, 13th November 2023: Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading electrical manufacturing companies, has released a new digital video ad campaign in time for Diwali. The campaign showcases several of Goldmedal’s products, including doorbells, LED lighting, and home automation solutions, against the backdrop of friends and family visiting a home during the festival of lights – with the voiceover highlighting the core message that it is the joy that loved ones bring with their presence that truly makes a “home feel like a home” (‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’).
Conceptualized by FoxyMoron, the campaign is a heartwarming reflection on the important role that friends and family play in making joyous occasions feel complete, while also depicting how Goldmedal’s products elevate your festive experience.
Commenting on the new campaign, Kishan Jain, Director of Goldmedal Electricals said “Festivals are a time to enjoy the company of loved ones within the warmth of our homes. Goldmedal’s products, including our LED lighting, doorbells, and home automation solutions, enhance the aesthetics and comfort of your spaces and offer a convenient, hassle-free experience amidst the bustle of the festive season. At the same time, we wanted to highlight, through this ad campaign, that what truly makes our home feel complete during these joyous moments, is the presence of our friends and family.”
Speaking about the campaign, Shubit Rakshit, Business Director, FoxyMoron said “Zoo Media Network is delighted to partner with Goldmedal to introduce the ‘Ghar Ghar Lagta Hai’ campaign—a compelling illustration of synergized endeavors. FoxyMoron as the lead agency, and The Rabbit Hole as the specialist Video Marketing agency in our network, collaborated to actualize this vision. The campaign’s integrated creative strategy and lifestyle-centric narrative were meticulously crafted to resonate emotionally with consumers, effectively spotlighting Goldmedal’s diverse portfolio. Our objective was to forge a narrative that transcends a singular event, evolving into a scalable initiative seamlessly integrated across the brand and its complete product spectrum.”
13, Nov 2023
Richa Agarwal and Cleopatra Makeovers Receive Glorious Award for its achievment in the feild of Makeovers.
Bollywood Actress Bhagyashree Presented Richa Agarwal with the Prestigious Award
Richa Agarwal, Founder and ace makeover expert, Cleopatra Makeovers is proud to announce and celebrate the recent recognition it received from the esteemed Bollywood actress, Bhagyashree. The salon was honored with the Glorious Award for Best Makeup Studio Chain of the Year 2023. This prestigious award was presented to Richa Agarwal by Bollywood actress Bhagyashree. Richa Agarwal, found and makeover expert Cleopatra feels privileged to have received this recognition from these esteemed organizations. Talking about this achievement she stated,
As a leading makeup studio chain, We have consistently strived for excellence in providing top-notch beauty services to people who want to look and feel beautiful. This recognition as the Best Makeup Studio Chain of the Year 2023 is a testament to our dedication and commitment to delivering outstanding beauty and grooming experiences.

Speaking about the recognition Richa Agarwal said, ” We have always believed that this award is a reflection of our hard work, creativity, and innovation in the field of makeup and beauty. Our skilled and talented team takes pride in their ability to transform every individual into their best version, enhancing their natural beauty and boosting their confidence. The Glorious National Award for Best Makeup Studio Chain of the Year 2023 serves as a motivation for us. We will continue to provide exceptional services and stay at the forefront of the beauty industry. This achievement further solidifies our position as a leader in the field of makeup and beauty.
We celebrate this achievement and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bhagyashree, Stylefistaa, and Runway Fashion Management for recognizing their efforts and honoring them with this prestigious award. We remain committed to offering unparalleled beauty experiences to our clients, ensuring that they look and feel their absolute best.
Richa Agarwal takes immense pride in receiving the Glorious National Award for Best Makeup Studio Chain of the Year 2023. This recognition further establishes her reputation as a leading name in the industry.” Cleopatra looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence and providing exceptional beauty services to its valued clients”, stated Richa Agarwal
13, Nov 2023
Asort Gears Up to Commemorate Its 12th Founder’s Day
Celebrating 12 Years of Innovation, Community Empowerment, and Sustainability
New Delhi, 13th November 2023: Asort, India’s pioneering co-Commerce direct-selling company in the fashion domain, is excited to announce its 12th Founder’s Day celebration, which is scheduled to take place on November 11, 2023. The company, founded in 2011, has embarked on a remarkable journey of innovation and community building to shape the future of direct sales.
Established in Mohali, India, Asort set out with a vision to revolutionize the fashion industry through a unique direct-selling model. Co-founders Roshan Singh Bisht & Nathasha Kumar and both first-generation entrepreneurs recognized the immense potential of this innovative concept and dedicated themselves to establishing Asort as India’s first co-commerce direct-selling company.
“Asort has been an inspiration of innovation and empowerment in the direct selling industry, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities and fostering a sense of community. Our journey from a single city to a pan-India presence is a testament to our commitment to redefine the game in fashion,” stated Roshan Singh Bisht, Co-Founder & CEO of Asort.
Over the past 12 years, Asort has achieved remarkable growth. From its modest beginnings in a single city, the company now operates across India, offering a wide range of products in over 13 lifestyle categories, with more than 5000 product options. In 2016, Asort successfully transitioned from an offline to a purely online platform, embracing the digital age and expanding its reach to a broader audience.
One of Asort’s most notable achievements is its support for nearly 3 lakh community partners, providing them with entrepreneurial opportunities and financial independence. These individuals have not only found a dependable source of income but have also become integral parts of the Asort community, contributing to the company’s success. Roshan expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support from the Asort community and the broader business ecosystem. His vision extends beyond mere business success; he aspires for Asort to emerge as the best direct-selling company in India. As Founder’s Day approaches, this celebration serves as a moment to reflect on the journey thus far and anticipate a brighter future.
“Asort’s Founder’s Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to the Asort community and the broader business ecosystem for their unwavering support. Our vision is to become the best direct-selling company in India, and our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us forward,” emphasized Ambrish Ranjan, Executive director, Asort To mark the occasion of its 12th Founder’s Day, Asort has organized a special recognition event in Panchkula. The event will honor the top achievers among its community partners and is expected to draw 2000 attendees, including industry dignitaries and community members. It promises to be a day filled with inspiration, recognition, and a profound sense of belonging for the Asort community.

In a significant step toward a more sustainable future, Asort has introduced an initiative to transform its packaging into an eco-friendly solution. Recognizing the environmental impact of packaging in the fashion industry, Asort is committed to addressing this issue through sustainable packaging.
The fashion industry has long contributed to non-biodegradable plastic waste, leading to issues of plastic pollution and carbon emissions. Asort is determined to be a part of the solution. Their sustainable packaging initiative represents a commitment to changing the way we experience fashion while respecting our planet. Each package is now made from plant-based recycled paper, ensuring our clothing arrives at your doorstep in style while respecting nature’s balance.
As Asort celebrates its 12th Founder’s Day, the company embraces a vision of innovation, community empowerment, sustainability, and a brighter, more future-ready path for direct sales. The celebration marks a significant milestone in Asort’s journey, a journey characterized by resilience, growth, and a steadfast commitment to building a better future for all. Asort is poised to continue making history in the direct-selling industry and shaping the future of fashion commerce.