Food Safety Remains a Struggle in India: Industry speaks on World Food Safety Day

In the last 30 years, India has transitioned from being a food-deficit nation to a self-sufficient food-producing country. However, food safety continues to be a major concern in India. Over the years, the composition of the food plate in India has undergone significant changes. In this dynamic food and agricultural ecosystem, the importance of food safety and the need to protect consumer health cannot be overstated. As we celebrate World Food Safety Day, it is crucial to emphasize promoting food safety awareness and education through collaborations with industry stakeholders. Given the numerous instances of food safety lapses in restaurants and eateries across India, the industry must adhere to best practices in food production, handling, storage, and distribution.

Marut Drones, an agriculture drone manufacturing company which is promoting the use of drone for spraying fertilisers for farm produces, believes that the industry is overlooking thequality in raw food grains, fruits, and vegetable produce in the overall hierarchy of produce.CEO and Co-Founder Prem Kumar Vislawath said, “Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables can significantly increase the risk of cancer for consumers. By using drones for regulated spraying, we can ensure lower concentrations of phytotoxins, which are commonly found in the pesticides used on farms. The use of drones ensures that no pesticide residues of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC and trifloxystrobin 50 (75 WG) are detected in soil and crops such as soybeans, red gram, and groundnuts, which are commonly consumed in Indian households. This helps safeguard the quality and safety of the food produced.”

Karthik Kondepudi, Partner at Herbochem, a neutraceutical company said, “Even with incredible food processing and production improvements, food adulteration remains a substantial issue in India. Common contaminants like synthetic dyes, chemicals, and other damaging substances can lead to severe health risks, including food poisoning, organ damage, and long-term health conditions like cancer. These ailments range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe conditions requiring hospitalization.Food Safety Day also brings together several stakeholders, including policymakers, health professionals, food industry leaders, and consumers, to deliberate challenges and create a global food safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.”

Research shows that, of their total monthly spending, urban households spend 10.64 percent while rural household spends 9.62 percent on beverages and processed food.

Jatin Takkar Head- Product Safety and Regulatory, Siegwerk India said, “On Food Safety Day, there is an urgent need to emphasize the critical importance of ensuring consumer health through stringent food safety measures. It is our responsibility to ensure that our packaging solutions are free from hazardous chemicals, thus playing a vital role in protecting the well-being of consumers. Safe packaging is not just a necessity; it is a cornerstone of public health. Regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) play a pivotal role in establishing and enforcing standards that safeguard the quality and safety of food.

One essential element of food safety is safe packaging. Food packaging is vital for preserving the quality and freshness of food, extending its shelf life, and ensuring safe transportation and distribution. However, the materials used in food packaging can significantly impact consumer health if not carefully selected and regulated. It is crucial to ensure that these materials do not pose any risk to consumer health.By adopting preventative measures and adhering to stringent regulations, we can ensure that food packaging continues to fulfil its purpose while protecting the well-being of consumers.”

Safety is a shared responsibility and as stakeholders in India’s food ecosystem, it is also incumbent upon the industry to adopt exemplary practices and continue supporting and collaborating with policymakers in its mission to ensure a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for generations to come.

Modi 3.0: Expectations of the Real Estate Sector from the New Government

The anticipation is over. The NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has secured victory in the 2024 general elections. With the current administration returning to power, stakeholders in India’s real estate sector are optimistic about obtaining the long-awaited industry status for their rapidly growing sector. Realtors, who have been advocating for this recognition for some time, plan to present their request to the new government ahead of the upcoming budget.

“The demand for industry status has been extensively discussed with the authorities over the past several quarters. While the government has agreed to this demand in principle, with the new government now in place, we hope it will gain momentum. Additionally, stakeholders are looking for resolutions on issues such as amendments in regulations and increasing the limit for affordable homes.”

Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, of Signature Global (India) Ltd said, “In order to achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ Real estate and Infrastructure would be going to play a crucial and significant role. As India reinforces its position as the fastest-growing large economy in the world, with a remarkable GDP growth of 8.2% in FY 24, surpassing the previous year’s 7.0% growth, we are confident that the new government will sustain its focus on real estate and infrastructure development. These sectors have a profound multiplier effect on the economy.

Pradeep Aggarwal added, “The real estate sector has seen significant growth in recent years and is poised to reach new heights. We hope the new government will extend income tax benefits on home loans under the new tax regulations. Additionally, we anticipate the government will address the challenges faced by the real estate sector and lead efforts to convince the GST Council to ease the burden of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on both developers and consumers. This continued focus will further strengthen India’s robust economic momentum and resilience.”

Manoj Gaur, Chairman & Managing Director of Gaurs Group and President of CREDAI NCR, said “The sector is looking for the reintroduction of the interest subvention scheme to revive mass housing. Secondly, we are also seeking a redefinition of affordable housing, and the limit for it should be raised from 90 sq m in terms of space to Rs 45 lakh in terms of pricing. It will be a much-needed intervention as a considerable demand exists in the affordable housing segment. And lastly, we are also looking forward to announcements on GST input credit to stimulate growth and foster a more resilient real estate environment,” he said.

Ankit Kansal, Managing Director of 360 Realtors, said, “In Modi 3.0, the government is expected to put increased attention on Indian real estate through a more concentrated policy framework, demand creation, and infrastructure push. Indian real estate is currently sized at around USD 300 billion and is slated to reach USD 1.3 trillion by 2034, as per the estimates by CREDAI. This also means the next five years will be essential for the real estate market’s long-term growth and evolution. The government will continue to drive infrastructure with the deployment of new cities, urban corridors, industrial hubs, large-scale logistic projects, etc., which will give a huge impetus to organic demand. The time ahead can also see large-scale policy shifts such as lowering taxes, deploying single window clearance, project-level FDIs, reduced stamp duties, etc. The government understands real estate’s critical role in the Indian economy through large-scale employment generation, support to multiple industries, and multiplier effect. Consequently, Modi 3.0 can see some ground-breaking incentives and policy push for the sector.

Kushagr Ansal, Director of Ansal Housing, outlined the real estate sector’s expectations from the new government. He said, “The real estate sector has high expectations from the upcoming government. Key priorities include granting industry status to real estate, facilitating easier financing access and promoting growth. Developers also seek revisions in regulations to streamline project approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays. Enhancing infrastructure development and connectivity is crucial to support urban expansion and boost property values. Additionally, there is a strong call for increased incentives for affordable housing projects to meet the growing demand. Overall, the sector anticipates policies that foster transparency, reduce costs and stimulate sustainable growth in the real estate market.”

Nayan Raheja from Raheja Developers said, “The first thing we expect is the industry status and a single-window clearance system for the real estate sector. At the same time, an incentive that can reduce the price for first-time homebuyers will make homeownership more accessible to the masses. Reduction in input costs, particularly for essential materials such as steel and cement, low fuel costs and additional tax concessions for homebuyers are some measures we expect from the new government.”

Neeraj Sharma, Managing Director of Escon Infra Realtor, is optimistic about significant progress in the real estate sector with the advent of Modi 3.0. He anticipates strong policy reforms that will streamline the regulatory framework and enhance transparency, creating a more investment-friendly environment. The continuation and expansion of initiatives like Housing for All and the Smart City project are expected to be crucial in promoting growth and innovation within the industry. He is confident that the new government will prioritize infrastructure development, encourage green building practices, and address key challenges such as land acquisition and financing, thereby elevating the real estate sector to new heights.

Pawan Sharma, MD of Trisol Red, states that with the advent of Modi 3.0, the real estate sector anticipates a substantial push toward advanced infrastructure development, streamlined regulations, and improved access to funding. These changes are expected to accelerate the market, stimulate growth, and attract both domestic and international investors.

Sanjay Sharma, Director of SKA Group, predicts that the real estate sector will continue to thrive in 2024, similar to the previous year. He believes that raising the exemption limit on home loan interest will undoubtedly attract more home buyers. Tax exemptions would benefit both home buyers and the real estate sector. Furthermore, Sharma emphasizes that the real estate sector, being one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP, should now be granted industry status.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Spectrum Metro, states that the real estate sector is optimistic about Modi 3.0, anticipating more streamlined regulations and incentives to boost affordable housing and infrastructure projects. He hopes the new government will prioritize policies that attract foreign investment and enhance transparency in the real estate market, fostering growth and stability.

Jakson Group Unveils Next-Generation CPCB IV+ Compliant Gensets Powered by Cummins, in Telangana

Hyderabad, 7th June 2024: Jakson Group, a leading Energy and Infrastructure Solutions Company and a key Genset Original Equipment Manufacturer (GOEM) for Cummins India Ltd. (Cummins), has introduced the next-generation CPCB IV+ compliant gensets powered by Cummins in the Hyderabad, Telangana region. These advanced gensets, featuring CPCBIV+ compliant Cummins engines, were launched by Cummins on July 5th, 2023, for the Indian market.

Poised to elevate industry standards, these Cummins-powered CPCB IV+ compliant gensets from the Jakson Group are set to redefine excellence in the power backup industry with their unparalleled features and benefits.

Reflecting Jakson Group’s 77+ years of commitment to quality and reliability, these Cummins-powered gensets offer enhanced fuel efficiency, outstanding cost savings, and superior environmental protection. Additionally, their compact design and impressive load-taking capability optimize installation options without compromising performance.

Speaking during the launch event, Mr. Manoj Nair, Business Leader, Cummins Power-generation India, said, “Cummins and Jakson share a long-standing commitment to excellence. Our CPCBIV+ compliant gensets integrate cutting-edge technology with our legacy of excellence, reinforcing our dedication to delivering superior performance, reliability, and sustainability. We are confident that this collaboration, built on shared values and spanning four decades, will only grow stronger as we move forward together.”

On the launch of this advanced back-up energy solution, Mr. Sameer Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, Jakson Group emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technologies with sustainable energy initiatives. “We are thrilled to launch the new generation gensets in Hyderabad, Telangana. This innovation plays a crucial role in providing consistent and reliable power supply, especially in critical areas, thereby ensuring seamless operation of essential services. With each innovation, we are shaping a future where our solutions not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our customers and the planet.”

Mr. Gagan Chanana, CEO & Jt. MD, Jakson Distributed Energy Business, stated, “Introducing the Cummins powered CPCB IV+ Compliant Genset in Telangana reflects our commitment to excellence in power solutions. With its advanced features and unmatched performance, this product will empower our customers in Hyderabad with reliable, efficient, and sustainable power generation.”

Designed to operate under extreme conditions, the new genset exceeds reliability expectations with innovations like a next-generation remote monitoring system, an advanced engine control module, and precise fuel and level sensors. Enhanced safety features and a low total cost of ownership further establish its market superiority, making it an ideal choice for diverse operational needs.

Easybuy Unveils a Brand New-Look Store in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 7th June 2024:EasyBuy, the contemporary value fashion brand from the prestigious Landmark Group, just dropped its latest store in Old Bowenpally, Secunderabad. The store has quickly become the talk of the town, serving up aspirational vibes and fresh looks. This trendy new store is a milestone inEasyBuy’s growing network the 9th in Hyderabad and 12th in Telangana. They crossed an impressive 140+ stores across India.

Karan Mehta, CEO, EasyBuy, highlighted the brand’s evolution. “Our new stores, now ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 sq ft., reflect our commitment to providing customers with a better shopping experience. With a sharper value proposition, the brand has pivoted to a more contemporary and aspirational format. The brand offers over 1,000 styles under ₹499 and drops new looks every fortnight. We have re-oriented our supply chain to offer something new for our customers with every visit. The bold and fresh new look is being hugely appreciated by our loyal customer base.With a wide range of trendy & affordable collections straddling across occasions, we’ve got your back.”

“We are entering new markets with this revamped format and contemporary imagery. Old Bowenpally, Secunderabad is a perfect addition to Easybuy’s rapidly growing network and the city of Hyderabad.”

EasyBuy is all about giving you the perfect space to explore, discover, and enjoy fashion in a fun and stylish way that doesn’t pinch your pockets. From everyday casuals for men, women, and kids, the brand has got your wardrobe needs covered with quality threads. This new chapter at EasyBuy isn’t just about a new look; it is about reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing trendy collections and quality at extremely sharp prices.

Snitch Redefines Sustainable Fashion with Relove Integration

New Delhi, 07th June 2024 – Snitch, a leading men’s fashion brand, is proud to announce its integration of Relove, an innovative platform for sustainable fashion. This strategic move underscores Snitch’s commitment to sustainability and offers customers the opportunity to purchase authenticated preloved Snitch items at significant discounts while also having the option to sell their own preloved Snitch products.

The seamless integration of Relove onto Snitch’s platform ensures a user-friendly experience for customers. By simply visiting the Snitch website, customers can browse, sell, and purchase preloved items with the assurance that each piece has been verified for quality. This initiative delivers exceptional value and actively contributes to waste reduction, aligning with broader environmental conservation objectives. In the last two years, Snitch has saved 3 million liters of water and keeps its products in circulation, preventing them from entering landfills.

The fashion industry’s substantial carbon footprint, responsible for 10% of global emissions, is a pressing concern. Through the resale of each garment, Snitch helps save six times its weight in CO2, significantly reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact. Additionally, this initiative empowers customers to retain cherished pieces while finding new homes for those they no longer wear, promoting sustainable fashion and a mindful approach to consumption.

Mr Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder and CEO of Snitch, expressed, “The Integration of Relove epitomizes our steadfast commitment to sustainable fashion. We believe in offering our customers stylish and high-quality clothing and the opportunity to make eco-conscious choices. By integrating Relove, we are empowering our customers to contribute to a more sustainable future. This initiative allows them to enjoy their favourite Snitch styles while supporting environmental conservation.”

This initiative is about cultivating a community of conscious consumers who prioritize quality, style, and sustainability. The brand cordially invites all its customers to join this journey towards a more eco-friendly and responsible fashion industry.

Max Life achieves its highest-ever Claims Paid Ratio of 99.65% in FY24

New Delhi, 7th June 2024: Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd (“Max Life/ “Company), today announced the settlement of 19,569 individual death claims worth INR 1254.39 crore during the Financial Year 2023-24. With this, the Company has achieved an all-time high individual death claims paid ratio of 99.65%. Over the last five years, Max Life’s claims paid ratio has seen a rise from 99.22% in FY20 to 99.65% in FY24, making it the Company’s new ‘India Ke Bharose Ka Number’*.

Since its inception, Max Life Insurance has paid INR 8,679 crore towards death claims on 202,830 policies. Committed to processing claims as rapidly as possible, Max Life settles around 48% percent of non-early claims (claims made on policies older than three years) on the same day. Max Life uses intelligent systems to detect fraud, identify high-risk geographies, and assess the probability of false claims based on non-disclosure. This has enabled Max Life’s claims paid ratio to improve from 99.51% in FY23 to 99.65% in FY24.

Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Max Life, “At Max Life, customer obsession is at the heart of everything we do, driving us to deliver supreme value and trust to our customers every day. For us, our highest-ever claims paid ratio is more than just a statistic; it’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to putting customers first. Achieved through advanced digitization and intelligent systems, we proactively combat fraud, pinpoint high-risk areas, and accurately assess claim validity. This holistic approach ensures we are not just there for our customers in their time of need, but are also empowering them with reliability and security every step of the way.”

In line with the Company’s customer-centricity focus, Max Life has deployed predictive analytics-based underwriting models and robust fraud management strengthened by the digitization of forensic controls. Max Life’s commitment to customer satisfaction was also recently recognized by Hansa Research, ranking 2nd among India’s leading insurers in the 4th edition of the esteemed Insurance CuES Report in April 2024 for its product innovation, digital support, streamlined documentation processes, and efficient policy issuance. In line with its focus on long-term customer retention, in FY24, Max Life’s 13th-month persistency was at 86.6% (Premium) and the 61st-month persistency stood at 58.3% (Cumulative, Premium).

Honda Racing India riders gears up for Round 3 of 2024 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Japan

Motegi (Japan), 07th June 2024: Following an adrenaline-charged Round 2 of the 2024 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is set to take on the third round at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan this weekend.

After an impressive performance in the last round of FIM 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250cc) class, the Indian two-wheeler racing team heads into the upcoming round with a total of 10 points.

In Race 1 of the AP250 class during Round 2 at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China, team rider Kavin Quintal, the talented young gun from Chennai, secured a commendable position, earning a crucial 5 points for the team. Displaying remarkable consistency and finesse amidst the intensity of the race, Kavin Quintal delivered yet another impressive Top 15 finish this season. Meanwhile, his teammate, the promising rookie rider Mohsin P, hailing from Mallapuram, showcased his full potential on the racetrack in China. Race 2 had been canceled due to bad weather conditions.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “The last race was tough, but I’m glad to have finished in the top 15 and contributed points to the team. There is always room for growth, and I eagerly anticipate the upcoming challenge in Japan. Suzuka Circuit holds a special place for me, and I am confident we can achieve better results there. Our rigorous training and the lessons learned from past races will guide us toward delivering better performances on international soil.

Looking forward to the second round, Mohsin Paramban said, “While finishing 20th in China in Round 2 of ARRC wasn’t my target in the championship, I recognize that every race serves as a learning experience. My focus is now on enhancing my performance in Round 3 and making a more significant contribution to the team’s points tally.”