1, Nov 2023
Shemaroo MarathiBana presents ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar’- A show that echoes the progressive bond between the partners
Shemaroo MarathiBana is set to introduce an engaging and heartwarming show titled ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar’ to its growing portfolio of original content. The concept of the show is as unique as its title, it is about an unbreakable bond of love, promoting equality, fostering understanding, facing challenges together, and breaking the stereotypes. Mark your calendars for October 30, 2023, as this exciting show debuts on Shemaroo MarathiBana.
The show was created by the renowned name in the Marathi TV industry, Viren Pradhan, and produced under the banner of Piccolo Films. The very talented Pradeep Ghule as Pratap Supekar and the charming Tanvee Kiran as Manasi will be seen as leads in the show.
‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar’ is a celebration of a love story between Pratap and Manasi that transcends traditional boundaries. The narrative sheds light on the contemporary and forward-thinking mindset of couples who recognize that love is not bound by prejudice. Contrary to the stereotypical image of a wife standing in her husband’s shadow, Pratap, a dedicated Traffic Police constable, embodies the qualities of a supportive and caring partner. He prioritizes his relationship with Manasi and holds deep respect for her individuality.
On the other hand, Manasi takes on the role of a Senior Traffic Police Inspector, excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field. She personifies a blend of compassion and determination, flawlessly balancing her professional and personal life. While Manasi’s senior position in the workplace raises concerns for Pratap’s family, it does not affect the harmony between them. Their partnership stands as a testament to the resilience of their bond and their unwavering courage to challenge societal norms.
Pradeep Ghule who plays Pratap, said, ” ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar’ is a show that beautifully blends a captivating love story with the breaking of stereotypes. In today’s evolving world, husbands are open to taking on responsibilities that are traditionally expected from wives. When I learned I would be portraying Pratap, it was a moment of delight because, as an actor, there’s immense satisfaction in depicting a progressive character with the potential to positively impact viewers.
In preparation for the role of a traffic constable, I drew inspiration from friends whose fathers are in traffic enforcement, using their mannerisms and experiences to shape my performance. This show holds a special place in my heart, and its intriguing title, ‘Sau. Pratap Mansi Supekar,’ adds an extra layer of fascination to it.”
Excited about her new journey with Shemaroo MarathiBana, Tanvee Kiran, who plays Manasi Supekar, expressed, “Getting my first big break as the lead in ‘Sau. Pratap Manasi Supekar’ is a dream come true, and I am grateful to Shemaroo MarathiBana for this opportunity. I’m stepping into the shoes of a character who will leave viewers with the thought that in a relationship, a woman does not have to sacrifice her own identity that she has built to conform the societal norms. The bond between Pratap and Manasi mirrors the dynamics of progressive couples in our society, a connection our viewers will relate to.
Playing the role of Manasi, a skilled traffic police officer who balances her professional and personal lives perfectly, requires discipline, precision, and self-confidence. To bring authenticity in the role, I’m mastering the art of professional motorcycle riding. Bringing this character to life convincingly is a significant responsibility, and I hope the audience enjoys it as much as I do.”
The show is set to engage and inspire viewers with a blend of heartwarming moments and societal commentary, making it a significant addition to Shemaroo MarathiBana’s diverse content offerings that truly connects with the audience.
- 0
- By Rabindra
1, Nov 2023
If I have to compare Sushmita Sen to one actor – it would be with Shah Rukh Khan – Vikas Kumar
Mumbai, November 2023: Make way as Aarya Sareen (Sushmita Sen) flaunts her claws and takes on the throne as the new don in town in Aarya Season 3. After receiving an International Emmy Award Nomination for Season 1 and two successful seasons, the wait ends as the fan-favorite franchise returns with its third season with newer challenges, newer enemies, and a newer ambition. Created and Co-Directed by the visionary Ram Madhvani and co-produced by Amita Madhavni, Ram Madhvani, Ram Madhvani Films, and Endemol Shine India, the dawn of a fearless reign unfolds with Aarya Season 3 exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar on 3rd November.
In admiration of Sushmita Sen’s warmth and talent, Vikas Kumar, ACP Khan in Disney+ Hotstar’s Aarya 3, likened her to none other than Shah Rukh Khan. He emphasized Sen’s exceptional compassion on set, particularly in the way she interacts with everyone, showering them with genuine hugs.
Elaborating on the same, Vikas Kumar, said “I found Sushmita Sen to be very compassionate on set – the way she is with everyone, from the director, co-actors and the spotboy, the way she meets them and hugs them – there is no one else in the industry that gives hugs as good as her. If I have to compare Sushmita Sen to one actor – it would be with Shah Rukh Khan, and I have made this comparison in front of her also and she likes it. From what I have heard about Shah Rukh Khan – how when he comes on set, the entire aura changes but yet when he meets you, he just builds a personal connect and Sushmita Sen is also the same. As an actor, she is amazing and I dont think anyone else could play the role of Aarya – the don and the mother, she has both in equal measure and the ability to play them.”
Witness the reign of this raging sherni with Aarya Season 3, set to stream only on Disney+ Hotstar on 3rd November!
1, Nov 2023
Star Health registers 35 Percent jump in PAT in Q2FY24
Chennai, 1st Nov, 2023: Star Health and Allied Insurance one of India’s leading Health Insurance Company records double-digit growth in both gross written premium and PAT in the second quarter of FY2024 as compared to a year ago. Gross Written Premium grew by 17% to Rs. 3,732 crore versus Rs. 3,193 crore in Q2 of the previous fiscal. The company posted a 35% growth in PAT to Rs. 125 crore in Q2FY24, compared to a profit of Rs. 93 crore in the same period a year ago.
The company’s retail health premium witnessed impressive growth, reaching Rs. 3,430 crore in the second quarter of the financial year. This substantial 17% increase compared to the same period last year reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the insurance needs of its customers, spanning across the country with a heightened focus in tier 3 and tier 4 regions.
In the first half of FY24, Star Health saw 38% growth in fresh digital business, over the same period last year. Also, the company registered a 57% fresh banca growth in H1FY24. To increase ease of access, the company redesigned its website to include multilingual support and drove growth through a robust customer awareness digital campaign. Star Health also revamped its payment process to enhance the customer experience and to provide easier access to quality health insurance. During the quarter, a dynamic UPI QR code-based payment option was launched that saw rapid adoption by customers.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Anand Roy, MD and CEO of Star Health and Allied Insurance said, “We’ve witnessed strong growth in the second quarter of FY23-24 in line with our strategy, resulting in a 17% increase in our Gross Written Premium (GWP). We saw increased demand in retail insurance during the quarter and expect this trend to continue in the coming months. Star Health is dedicated to improving customer experience and we’ve recently introduced a convenient UPI QR code-based payment system to streamline the process of purchasing and renewing health insurance. In addition, we closely examined our partnerships with network hospitals during the quarter, working collaboratively to ensure that our policyholders receive high-quality medical care at reasonable prices. We also initiated new bancassurance partnerships to expand access to top-notch health insurance for individuals nationwide.”
The Operating expense to GWP ratio was at 16.0% in Q2FY24 versus 15.8% in Q2FY23. The solvency ratio continues to remain robust at 2. lx in the second quarter, higher than the minimum regulatory requirement of 1.5x.
Star Health has a diversified distribution network comprising of strong digital channels, leading bancassurance partners, agency channel, corporate agents, brokers, point of sale persons (POS), insurance marketing firms, web aggregators, and direct business.
As of 30 September 2023, Star Health has 14,230 network hospitals and a wide presence of 869 branches and offices spread across 25 states and 5 union territories in India.
| Financial
Indicators {In Rs. Crore) |
Q2 FY2023 | Q2 FY2024 | Growth
% |
| GWP | 3,193 | 3,732 | 17% |
| PBT | 121 | 167 | 39% |
| PAT | 93 | 125 | 35% |
Ratios
| ROAE (%) | 1.9% | 2.2% |
| Combined ratio (%) | 97.9% | 99.2% |
1, Nov 2023
Cedar raises $3m to take on US housing crisis
Austin, Texas – Nov 1st, 2023; The US housing market is short 6.5 million homes after more than a decade of under-building relative to population and demand growth. Cedar is today announcing a $3M seed funding round to take this problem head-on, with software that helps real-estate developers and professionals maximize the housing potential of urban infill properties.
Cedar believes that the complexities of urban development are driving builders to construct homes ever-farther from city centers, thus contributing to the supply-demand mismatch creating a crisis of affordability today. Kyle Vansice, co-founder of Cedar added: “Not only is the US not building enough housing to support our population growth, we’re not building homes in the right places – urban centers where current and future generations want to live and work, and be closer to their friends, family, and cultural amenities.”
The funding round was led by Caffeinated Capital with participation from Tishman Speyer Ventures, Maria Davidson (CEO of celebrated construction startup Kojo), David Rubenstein via Shorewind Capital, and Alumni Ventures, among others. Cedar’s cap table also includes global venture capital firm Antler as an early investor (pre-seed round)
Founded in 2022 by Kyle Vansice, Nate Peters, and Rahul Attraya, Cedar is radically collapsing the time and cost for developers to source and evaluate real-estate projects, a major inefficiency in today’s real estate market. It often takes longer to acquire, design, and permit a housing project than it does to build it – largely due to the slow, consultant-driven, and regulatory-burdened process of solving the 3D puzzle that is a real-estate development project. And while 80% of cities are composed of housing, almost no software exists to help developers know where and what can be built in the city – a critical market gap Cedar is filling.
The Cedar platform uses generative algorithms and a mix of public and proprietary data to quickly generate a broad array of building designs, accurately predicting the development yield on any parcel in a city, and converting complex land-development regulations into real development scenarios that maximize a property’s financial potential. Cedar is on a mission to standardize a fragmented process of value creation that typically takes months of consultant work and adds hundreds of thousands of dollars to each development project.
By challenging the fundamentals on housing design and location, Cedar is creating a pathway to help deliver the residential needs of communities across the US. “By connecting local zoning and land development regulations with a national standard for infill housing and urban density, Cedar is the first technology startup that is offering a fresh vision for housing development and design for the future,” Nate Peters, co-founder of Cedar added.
Cedar believes the immediate opportunity for builders and developers lies in places that were previously built for largely single-family development, but offer the potential to dramatically densify to create more livable and walkable neighborhoods. The future of urban development needs to move beyond the binary of either single-family homes or luxury high-rise to include the “missing middle” scale – a term coined by Dan Parolek and his firm Opticos Design.
Rahul Attraya, co-founder of Cedar added: “The smaller, non-institutional “missing middle” scale projects are critical to creating a more economically and environmentally sustainable density in our cities. They present the key to providing the breadth of affordable options cities need. But getting innovative housing built in urban areas is not easy, and builders, developers, and the design community take big risks to make them happen – Cedar is supporting this effort by providing sophisticated planning and analysis technology that reduces risk and maximizes their potential.
The infill multi-family construction is a $300B+ market annually and is expected to nearly double by 2030. It is not only America’s fastest growing housing development type, but according to a recent University of California Berkeley study, the single most effective tool in reducing the carbon emissions of our society.
Cedar has coverage across Austin now but has ambitious plans to expand to a number of major American cities over the next 12-18 months. Varun Gupta, Partner at Caffeinated Capital, commented: “Characterizing the economic value of any parcel of land through its current and future development opportunities will drive massive value to developers, brokers, states and municipalities, and other stakeholders. With it, Cedar could help usher in a new golden era of municipal development and help solve America’s housing shortage.”
Tyler Norwood, General Partner US at Antler, Cedar’s initial investor remarked: “We backed the Cedar team from day zero. As an early investor, we worked with Kyle, Rahul, and Nate as they experimented and fought to crack open a wedge into this market. The Cedar team is ambitious and tenacious, exactly the qualities required to scale a mammoth proptech opportunity. This 0-1 stage of a company is such a hard but exhilarating time — I feel honored that a team this strong gave Antler the opportunity to be a partner on this journey and it is exciting to see Cedar quickly gaining traction. I look forward to continuing to support the team as they build the future of urban infill development starting in our own backyard, Austin, TX. “
1, Nov 2023
Five-Star Business Finance Limited: AUM at INR 8,264 crores (up 44 Percent Y-o-Y and 9 Percent Q-o-Q)
Chennai, November 1st, 2023: The Board of Directors of Five-Star Business Finance Limited, has declared its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half year ended September 30, 2023.
Key Performance Metrics for H1FY2024
| Particulars (INR Cr) | H1FY2024 | H1FY2023 | Y-o-Y |
| Disbursements | 2,336 | 1,371 | 70% |
| AUM | 8,264 | 5,732 | 44% |
| PAT | 383 | 284 | 35% |
| Gross Stage 3 (%) | 1.35%1 | 1.15%2 | Increase by 20 bps |
| 90+ DPD | 1.07%2 | 1.15%2 | Decrease by 8 bps |
| ROA (%) | 8.45% | 8.68% | Decrease by 23 bps |
Note 1: Gross Stage 3 Assets / NPA computed as per guidelines stipulated by RBI vide their circular on Prudential Norms on Income Recognition and Asset classification dated Nov 12, 2021, and further clarified through circular dated February 15, 2022 (wherein implementation of upgradation norms were deferred to October 1, 2022) i.e loans that have crossed 90 days past due any time on or after October 1, 2022, and not cleared their arrears fully, expressed as a % of AUM;
Note 2. Loans that are overdue for more than 90 days as on the reporting date
Performance Highlights for Q2FY2024/H1FY2024
| Particulars | Q2FY2024 | H1FY2024 |
| NIM | 17.68% | 17.72% |
| Return on Assets | 8.47% | 8.45% |
| Return on Equity | 17.08% | 16.85% |
- Networth of INR 4,736 crores
- Borrowings from a large base of about 47 lenders
- Network of 456 branches as of September 30, 2023
Commenting on the results, Mr Lakshmipathy Deenadayalan, Chairman & Managing Director, Five-Star Business Finance Limited, said, Five Star continued to witness strong traction across business and disbursal demand and collections momentum. During the quarter, we disbursed INR 1,204 Crores of loans as against INR 1,132 Crores in the sequential quarter and also registered a disbursement growth of 50% on Y-o-Y basis. We added 70 branches during Q2FY2024, our highest ever branch additions in a quarter, resulting in a strong branch network of 456 branches, to deliver quality service to our customers.
On the collections front, we saw a strong set of numbers, across the metrics of collections efficiency and 30+ DPD. We had a collection efficiency of 100.3% for the quarter and improvement across the various DPD buckets. We saw a decrease in NPA numbers as compared to the previous quarter (1.35% in Q2FY24 vs 1.41% in Q1FY24), our 30+ came down from 9.68% last quarter to 8.59% during the current quarter. We are very confident that the strong growth in disbursements and collection efficiencies pave the way for a strong trajectory across growth, quality, and profitability.
We continued to grow consistently and delivered an AUM growth of 44% Year on Year. PAT for Q2FY2024 has grown at 38% as compared to Q2FY2023 and our ROA and ROE stand as one of the best in the industry.
1, Nov 2023
ASUS strengthens pan India retail strategy with the launch of Exclusive Store in Gurugram
India, 1st Nov 2023: As a step towards strengthening the brand’s retail footprint across the country, ASUS India, a Taiwanese tech giant today announced the launch of an exclusive store in Gurugram.
The new exclusive store is spread across 365 sq. ft. and is set to host an extensive range of electronics and computer hardware, including the ASUS flagship products such as Vivobook, Zenbook, Republic of Gamers (ROG) laptops, Gaming Desktops, All-in-One Desktops, and accessories. This is the brand’s 2nd exclusive store located in Gurgaon taking the total count of 8 AES stores in Haryana.
Talking about the expansion, Jignesh Bhavsar, National Sales Manager – PC & Gaming Business, ASUS India, said, “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our retail footprint in India. Haryana being an important market for us, the inauguration of the new brand store in the promising Tier II city, Gurugram, will play a pivotal step towards empowering consumers across different regions of the country with a unique experience of our latest innovation. With a strategic retail expansion approach, we will continue to create more interaction and new touchpoints for our users.”
Address of the retail store: A-one Computer
R4-0016, Sector- 67, M3M Urbana-Gurugram
1, Nov 2023
ITDC organises a Run for Unity on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Under the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) organized a Run for Unity on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on 31.10.2023. Students of Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management participated enthusiastically in the run. Mr. M. R. Synrem, IAS, Managing Director, ITDC motivated the students and flagged off the Run.
1, Nov 2023
ASICS India Honors Hockey Icon Manpreet Singh for His Stellar Achievements
Bangalore – Nov 1st, 2023 – ASICS India, the renowned sportswear giant, celebrated the stellar accomplishments of Manpreet Singh, an Indian Hockey player, at a special felicitation ceremony held on October 31, 2023. The grand honoring event took place at the ASICS Exclusive Store in Jalandhar, situated in the heart of Punjab, India
The event commemorated not only Singh’s impressive performance in a historic gold medal victory at the Asian Games 2023 but also marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration between the celebrated athlete and ASICS India. The Indian hockey team clinched a spectacular gold medal win at the Asian Games 2023, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling finale. Singh’s exceptional play throughout the tournament earned him the prestigious title of ‘Player of the Tournament,’ further cementing his position as a true icon of Indian hockey.
The felicitation event served as a heartfelt homage to Singh’s exceptional talent, unparalleled commitment, and inspiring leadership. It also highlighted ASICS India’s dedication to championing and honoring the nation’s sporting heroes.
Reminiscing about this milestone, Manpreet Singh shared, “This victory is a testament to the collective efforts and resilience of our team. I am immensely grateful and privileged to be associated with ASICS India, a brand that shares my commitment to greatness and truly embodies the spirit of sporting excellence. Their unstinting encouragement and faith in my abilities have been pivotal in my progress as a hockey player. Together, we share a mutual aspiration to inspire future generations of athletes and take Indian hockey to even greater heights.”
“Manpreet Singh is an embodiment of athletic prowess, embodying the true spirit of dedication, determination, and sportsmanship. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the sport have been crucial to the Indian hockey team’s stellar accomplishments. ASICS India is honored to be partnered with such an inspiring athlete and we are committed to supporting his journey as he further cements his legacy in the annals of Indian sports history,” said Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia.
ASICS India expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the media for their support in covering this significant occasion and highlighting the recognition of a genuine athletic icon.
1, Nov 2023
ABWCI registers on Social Stock Exchange to further the agenda of Women Led Development
New Delhi, Nov 1st, 2023: In its commitment to demonstrate social and economic impact for women, the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI) is now registered on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE).
This aligns with the Government of India’s mandate to empower organizations dedicated to serving underserved communities. The SSE is a platform designed to facilitate access to a broader capital base for social enterprises and voluntary organizations operating within the social sector, further strengthening their capacity to drive positive change.
The Social Stock Exchange segment (SSE) on NSE provides Social Enterprises (Non-profit organizations (NPOs) engaged in eligible activities a unique opportunity to register itself and raise funds on a recognized exchange platform.
Social enterprises, including not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) that fulfil the registration requirements, are eligible to enrol in the SSE and commit to providing ongoing reports regarding their social impact. These NPOs may opt to raise funds through the SSE or not, but they will consistently provide disclosures, including those related to their social impact, to stock exchanges.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Parul Soni, Founder and Secretary General of ABWCI said, “We are proud to be part of the Social Stock Exchange, where we can showcase our commitment to sustainable innovation and engage with investors who share our values of creating a robust community of women entrepreneurs; providing them with opportunities to access investment capital, trade networks & entrepreneurial education; and advocating for policies resulting in women-centric entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world has just taken a significant leap forward.”
The Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman as part of the Budget Speech for FY 2019-20 proposed the idea of an electronic fund-raising platform “Social Stock Exchange”, under the regulatory ambit of SEBI for listing social enterprises and voluntary organizations working for the realization of a social welfare objective so that they can raise capital as equity, debt or as units like a mutual fund.
The Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is a separate segment of the existing Stock Exchange that can help social enterprises raise funds from the public through the stock exchange mechanism. The SSE will act as a medium between social enterprises and fund providers that can help them to select those entities that are creating measurable social impact and reporting such an impact.
Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Ambika Sharma, CEO of ABWCI said, “ABWCI is enabling and celebrating women’s business acumen and ambition by connecting members to investors, incubators, accelerators, traditional donors, thought leaders, academia, professional development resources, and relevant opportunities. SSE is a leap towards unlocking the potential of women as entrepreneurs – creating a cadre of job creators and not just job seekers. ABWCI is committed to furthering this through its initiative #WomenInVyapaar. “
1, Nov 2023
NUVOCO Vistas announces its financial results for Q2 FY24
Hyderabad/Mumbai, Nov 1, 2023: Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., a leading building materials Company in India, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. With 23.82 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the fifth largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India.
The consolidated cement sales volume for the Company increased by 1.2% YoY to 4.5 MMT in Q2 FY24. Consolidated revenue from operations during the same period improved by 7% YoY to
Rs. 2,573 crores and consolidated EBITDA also improved by 73% YoY to Rs. 336 crores.
The Company has completed its debottlenecking projects at the Risda and Nimbol plants, enhancing the clinker production capacity by 2,000 TPD. This will provide headroom for growth and cater to increasing demand.
In addition, the Premium products continue to remain a key focus area for the Company. The Company secured a patent for its revolutionary product ‘Fibre Reinforced Cement Composition’ branded in the market as ‘Duraguard Microfiber Cement’. The patent, effective from the date of application – April 4, 2018, cites exclusive rights for the next 20 years. The Company also extended premium cement variants ‘Concreto UNO’ and ‘Duraguard F2F’ from Bihar and West Bengal to Jharkhand.
The Company remains committed to its sustainability agenda – Protect Our Planet. The Company has amongst the lowest carbon emissions at 462 kg CO2 per ton of cementitious materials1. The Company achieved an alternate fuel rate (AFR) of 14.3% in Q2 FY24, amongst the best in the industry, a significant improvement of 5.2% YoY.
Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. stated, “Our Value over Volume strategy has positively contributed to the Company’s performance. Our trade share has increased from 72% in Q2 FY23 to 74% in Q2 FY24. In addition, the results also demonstrate our commitment to managing the dynamic cost environment through an optimized power and fuel mix between conventional and clean energy sources.”
Furthermore, he added, “The expansion at the Haryana Cement Plant is expected to be completed in FY24 which will enable us cater to the strong demand in the Northern region. On the RMX business, we have commissioned four new plants in the current fiscal, bringing our total to 55 plants pan-India.”
