Archives May 2023

Mumbai,24th May 2023: The Harish Jagtani Foundation (HJ Foundation) has responded swiftly to the recent devastation caused by floods and landslides in South Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 400 individuals died or were injured and missing in the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi in the hills overlooking Lake Kivu. The HJ Foundation team of 20 dedicated volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff arrived at the site to provide immediate aid to the disaster-struck populace.

The HJ Foundation provided 80 tons of essential supplies—including food, drinking water and medicines, besides kits containing the basic necessities of life. In addition to this, mobile clinics were set-up providing medical care and assistance to over 250 individuals on a daily basis, with the dedicated medical team attending to their needs. The clinics are operational daily.

The primary objective of this herculean effort was to provide immediate and life-sustaining support to the affected people and help them overcome the trauma they were experiencing. By providing essential relief and support to the affected communities in the South Kivu floods, the HJ Foundation aims to make a meaningful difference and help rebuild lives affected by this tragic disaster.

While the Congolese government, on its part, has promised relocation of the victims, the HJ Foundation’s contribution provides the vital immediate support for the sustenance of life. The foundation’s team will also work to help people come out of the shock and assist in their recovery process in every way.

The HJ Foundation focuses on providing humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly to vulnerable individuals. Through its extensive hospital facilities, the HJ Foundation provides free prostheses and offers access to its dialysis and ophthalmology centre, prioritizing the health and well-being of those in need.

In his new role, Saurav will be responsible for charting and executing the sales strategy of the hotels, driving revenue growth, and exploring new business opportunities.

Saurav brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, having held various leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining NHCC and HICC, he served as Director of Sales at Le Meridien Hyderabad and was previously associated with HICC as Associate Director of Sales. He has also worked with Taj Mahal Palace and Grand Hyatt Mumbai.

A dynamic and results-driven leader, Saurav is known for his ability to generate revenue growth and provide top-notch guest experiences. His appointment marks a significant addition to the NHCC and HICC team and is expected to propel the hotels to new heights of success and productivity. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the MICE market will be instrumental in attracting and catering to large-scale events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, said, “We are delighted to welcome Saurav back to the NHCC and HICC family. With his extensive industry experience and focus on business expansion, we are confident that he will make a significant contribution to our success and growth.”

Pantnagar,24th May 2023 To enhance the ecosystem of beekeeping in Uttarakhand, FMC India, a leading global agricultural sciences company, in collaboration with GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT) organized a day long workshop to observe World Bee Day. The initiative was part of FMC’s flagship program, Project Madhushakti which was launched in 2022. The objective is to encourage women farmers towards entrepreneurship, generate sustainable income and raise the living standards of the rural families in Uttarakhand, while simultaneously support biodiversity and higher crop productivity.

Project Madhushakti is a first-of-its-kind innovative sustainable development initiative in India. Spanning three years, the project is planned for the rural areas of Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range, with abundant source of natural herbs and flora useful for honey production. The project, now in its second year, will train 750 women farmers as beekeepers. More than 8,000 people from over 20 villages are expected to directly benefit via an increase of up to 30 per cent productivity in various fruits and other crops through good pollination.

The day-long program was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, an acadmo-management leader and a world-renowned scientist in the field of animal biotechnology. Dr Singh underlined the importance of honeybee not only for providing valuable natural super food honey but also products such as propolis, royal jelly, venom and wax. He also informed the audiences that honeybees can support enhancing crop productivity of different cross-pollinated crops ranging from 15 to 200 per cent.

Dr. AS Nain, Director for Research, GBPUAT said, “We take pride in our association with FMC India. In a biodiversity rich state like Uttarakhand, the potential of beekeeping remains untapped which is developing with Project Madhushakti. Scientific beekeeping will harness the potential of Uttarakhand hills and generate employment and additional income for poor farmers We will continue to provide training and learning opportunities in collaboration with FMC to establish bee keeping as a lucrative field for women entrepreneurs.”

Speaking at the occasion, Raju Kapoor, Director, Public & Industry Affairs, FMC India said, “Bee rearing is at the cusp of change in our country with India’s National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. FMC is grateful to be contributing through a project with the scalability and impact of Madhushakti. We will continue to work towards the enhancement of women’s skills. The lecture sessions through our partnership with GB Pant University delivered by highly experienced scientists and bee fostering agents will impart immersive knowledge and training to the women farmers that can be passed within their community. We look forward to expanding our reach and benefiting more farmers through these offerings. FMC is committed to provide a sustainable model of enhancing crop productivity using intensive agricultural practices, while enhancing women empowerment and biodiversity.”

The workshop was hosted by Department of Entomology and Honeybee Research & Training Centre of the university. It witnessed participation from bee rearing agents across the state of Uttarakhand, followed by their felicitation along with students and department research heads. Scientists and industry experts addressed students to help them inculcate knowledge and skill around apiculture. The collaborative workshop hosted at the university was attended by dignitaries like Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice Chancellor, GBPUAT, Mr. Raju Kapoor, Director, Public & Industry Affairs, FMC India, Dr. AS Nain, Director of Research, GBPUAT, Dr. Renu and Dr. Pramod Mall, Head, Department of Entomology, GBPUAT.

“After the withdrawal of the ₹2,000 notes, we have observed a notable increase in inquiries for gold and silver jewelry. However, what is particularly striking is that people are not panicking as they did during the previous demonetization period. This time, there seems to be a more measured response, with individuals actively seeking out alternative investment options and taking proactive steps to secure their wealth.” Mr. Pawan Gupta, Director, PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta

The increase in inquiries for gold and silver jewelry has been significant, with a noticeable rise of approximately 15-20% compared to previous periods. We are receiving more cash as compared to online transactions.

“The fact that people are actively inquiring about gold and silver jewelry indicates their preference for tangible assets and their confidence in the long-term value of these metals. Gold and silver have historically been regarded as safe haven investments during uncertain times, and individuals are now recognizing their potential as a reliable store of value. We have been able to provide valuable information and guidance to customers, assisting them in making informed decisions about their investments. We have also expanded our inventory to accommodate the growing demand for gold and silver jewelry.” added Mr. Gupta.

Overall, the current response to the withdrawal of the ₹2,000 notes has been more measured and focused on securing wealth through alternative investments like gold and silver. This increased interest is reflected in the significant rise in inquiries, indicating a shift in consumer behavior and a recognition of the value and stability offered by precious metals. Mr. Pawan Gupta, Director, PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta.

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New Delhi, 24th May 2023 Realty firm Krisumi Corporation Ltd has entirely sold 322 luxury suites (apartments) within three days of launch in the second phase of its project at Gurugram.

Krisumi Corporation is a joint venture between India’s Krishna Group and Japan’s business conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation.

The company is developing its maiden 30.38-acre housing project “Krisumi City” at Sector 36A, Gurugram. The project enjoys a prime and strategic location bang on the bustling Dwarka Expressway. The first phase, which was spread over 5 acres, was launched in 2021.

After the successful launch of the first phase, the company launched 322 luxury suites in the second phase called “Waterfall Suites.” Each suite consists of one room, living and drawing space, and a kitchen (1 LDK/1 LDK + 2T).

On Saturday, May 20 Mr. Aroon Purie, Chairperson, India Today Group unveiled the 3D project model of the Waterfall Suites. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Krisumi’s innovative approach to design has brought about a revolution in the industry, setting a new benchmark for excellence. No wonder, it has become NCR’s most preferred residential real estate brand in such a short span.”

The project is inspired by the serene Shiraito Waterfall, located near Mount Fuji in Japan. The design of Waterfall Suites weaves in elements of the stream, thread, and calmness of water into a graceful facade. The waterfall represents the versatility of formless things within our world while being the epitome of simplicity and purity. Shiraito no Taki is the landscape theme of the project which has been interpreted at several places, and incorporated into the design itself.

Krisumi Corporation received an overwhelming response from the customers and all the units were sold within three days of launch (May 20th to May 22nd ). More than 700 customers evinced interest in buying apartments in this project.

The units are priced in the range of Rs 1.47 crore to Rs 1.92 crore. The per square feet rate is approx. Rs 16,000 per sq. ft.

“With careful attention to detail, we have meticulously planned every aspect of the second phase, leaving no stone unturned in preparing for its execution. From the smallest details to major milestones, we have ensured that all necessary preparations are in place to provide a seamless and timely delivery,” Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group said.

“We have witnessed tremendous response from our customers. The confidence in the Krisumi group, the project’s distinctive design and theme, and its advantageous location form a compelling proposition that appeals to buyers and investors seeking both quality and long-term value in their real estate. As a result, we received 750 cheques as against 322 apartments that we are offering,” Mr. Mohit Jain, Managing Director, Krisumi Corporation said.

“We observed a substantial and robust demand for luxury 1 LDK/ 1LDK + 2T housing units, a unique offering that no other developer in the vicinity offers. We are delighted to witness such a positive response from buyers, as it reinforces our commitment to delivering quality and fulfilling the evolving needs of the market. The overwhelming response serves as a testament to our ability to identify and meet the demands of the modern real estate landscape, ultimately contributing to the success of the project,” Vineet Nanda, Director, Sales & Marketing, at Krisumi Corporation said.

Krisumi Corporation has commenced construction on the second phase of the project and is committed to completing it within the next four years.

The first phase of the Krisumi project is also on track to be delivered well within the timeline. The plans to launch the third phase of the projects are also underway.

Greater Noida,24th May 2023: Coforge Limited (NSE: COFORGE), a global digital services and solutions provider, announced it has been recognized by Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of Property and Casualty (P&C) and general insurance, with the prestigious Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Award. This esteemed accolade was conferred at the Formation 2023 event in Orlando, Florida for achieving the highest level of excellence through the implementation of Duck Creek solutions.

Coforge achieved this remarkable feat by helping Argyle Insurance go-live with Duck Creek Policy, Duck Creek Billing, and Duck Creek Rating in an impressive time frame of under 60 days. The expeditious implementation was made possible by harnessing the deep domain expertise of Duck Creek’s proficient team along with end-to-end support of Coforge’s skilled resources throughout the delivery process.

The implemented Duck Creek full suite will enable SME or broker clients with more choices and competition by offering a wider range of insurers and products. This scalable, enterprise-grade system, allows rapid design and delivery of products into the market, demonstrating the impressive power and flexibility of the Duck Creek platform.

Coforge is a Premier Duck Creek Technologies (DCT) System Integrator (SI) partner, helping insurers in their core modernization journey. Coforge is one of the Top 3 DCT full-suite implementation partners and the first DCT partner on insights, distribution management, and cloud transformation.

Rajeev Batra, EVP, Insurance, Coforge commented “As a Premier Delivery Partner for Duck Creek Technologies, with 800+ Duck Creek SME’s globally, Coforge is proud to be a part of Argyle’s record-setting go-live journey. This partnership between Coforge, Argyle and Duck Creek Technologies is an outstanding case of seamless collaboration and has set a new benchmark in the industry”.

“Right from the beginning, to achieve the goal of going live in such an accelerated timeline meant remarkable teamwork was going to be critical,” said Mike Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “All parties were hyper-focused on Argyle’s success during implementation and committed to helping the startup achieve its goals of partnering with brokers to build products that can capture profitable, large market share in a mature, stable market with the agility the Duck Creek platform provides. We focus on driving better, easier-to-understand insurance products tailored to policyholders’ needs and adaptable to their changing priorities.”

“I am proud to say the unparalleled teamwork between Argyle Insurance, Duck Creek and Coforge enabled us to stand up a full end-to-end product with Duck Creek’s policy, billing and rating solutions in under 60 days,” said Matt Morgan, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Argyle Insurance. “This capability is critical for both start-ups like Argyle Insurance and incumbents to adjust and adapt to the rapid changes happening across the insurance landscape driven by regulatory changes and customer market dynamics, which can have a big impact on insurer success.”

India, 24th May 2023: ICICI Securities (I-Sec), which operates ICICI direct, a digital wealth-tech platform offering various financial services, today announced the introduction of its new trading eco-system that features a state-of-the-art Scalping Algo for automated trading. This new feature will enable customers to set up an intact automated entry and profit booking criteria and assist traders to execute smarter and convenient trades without bothering about factors such as market timings or manually booking profits.

Scalping Algo is an intraday trading strategy that enables customers to buy and sell individual stocks or options contracts throughout the day. Through this feature, customers only need to enter the entry price and profit booking price differences, along with the quantity to execute per trade with max open quantity. The Scalping Algo will then automatically enter and exit trades according to the defined rules. The feature has been made available on ICICI direct app and will shortly the desktop version will be launched too.

This offering further allows customers to specify the duration for which they want to trade — whether for 30 minutes or the entire trading day. With ICICI direct Markets Scalping Algo, customers can sit back and relax, assured in the knowledge that their trades are being executed according to their pre-defined rules. This strategy is recommended for volatile and liquid stocks or contracts.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Vishal Gulechha, Head – Retail Equity, ICICI Securities said, “ICICI direct constantly aims to provide ease by innovative financial solutions that enhance the trading journey for our valued customers. The introduction of Scalping Algo in the trading ecosystem will help the customers enjoy a seamless trading experience – whether for a short duration or the whole day. We will continue to work towards delivering hassle- free and secure trading experience to help them execute smarter trades.”

Scalping is a strategy that focuses on swiftly buying and selling the same underlying on the basis of entry and exit rules. A scalper keeps entering and exiting positions of an individual stock or contract throughout the day to benefit from a run-up.

Mumbai,24th May 2023 Federal Bank announced the successful completion of the first residential batch of girls from Wayanad at their Federal Skill Academy, Kochi this month. The academy aims to empower young girls also and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel.

The residential training program, for a duration of 3.5 months was designed to offer an immersive learning experience to the participants. The first residential batch of girls from Wayanad consisted of 24 young, talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The successful completion of the residential training marks a significant milestone for the participants and the academy itself. Looking ahead, the Federal Skill Academy is excited to announce its upcoming program. In June 2023, the academy will be launching a new batch of financial accounting and tally training for both boys and girls. This program will provide participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in accounting principles, financial management, and the effective use of accounting software Tally.

The Federal Skill Academy is committed to creating opportunities for young girls and boys and empowering them to achieve their dreams. This is part of the Bank’s CSR initiative under the aegis of Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation.

Federal Bank (NSE: FEDERALBNK) is a leading Indian private sector bank with a network of around 1,372 banking outlets and 1,914 ATMs/Recyclers spread across the country. The Bank’s total business mix (deposits + advances) stood at ₹ 3.87 Lakh Crore as on 31st March, 2023. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank, computed as per Basel III guidelines, stood at 14.81% as on 31st March 2023. Federal Bank has Representative Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that serve as a nerve centre for Non-Resident Indian customers in the UAE. The Bank also has an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Federal Bank is transforming itself, keeping its principles intact, into an organization that offers services beyond par. It has a well-defined vision for the future as a guidepost to its progress.

Navrathan Jewellers is a renowned jewellery brand that has been in the industry of providing excellent jewellery for more than four decades. The brand caters to people from all walks of life offering a wide range of jewellery in gold, diamonds, platinum, and more. Each and every piece of jewellery has been handcrafted by top-notch artisans and craftsmen who are inspired by the amalgamation of traditions. Navrathan Jewellers also specialises in personalised jewellery creations that represent the individual styles of their clientele. They are known for their commitment to quality, providing only authentic and certified jewellery pieces.

Navrathan Jewellers have recently launched a magnificent choker crafted in gold with gemstones from their antique collection which is a beautiful masterpiece in itself that adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to your look.

Additionally, this collection also includes a gorgeous selection of kadas, necklaces, and bracelets that is ideal for any special occasion. The fine craftsmanship and intricate designs at Navrathan Jewellers cannot go unnoticed. They offer a variety of selection that includes something for everyone, whether you’re searching for an accessory to go with your outfit in style or to make you stand out at a party.

The necklace and kada in this collection have different ruby designs which impart a feeling of allure to its wearer. Each piece has been meticulously constructed from the best materials and given a gorgeous shine. The collection makes a spectacular addition to any wardrobe and is a wonderful way to flaunt your individual sense of style.

Mumbai, India,24th May 2023: Education New Zealand (ENZ), Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the world’s leading provider of university rankings and evaluations and NMIMS University held a successful Ranking Workshop- Process & progress with QS : Inclusion & Improvement in the Asia and World University Rankings Landscape on 20th April, 2023. The event was attended by delegates from eight New Zealand Universities, ENZ, and Indian Universities and aimed to create opportunities for delegates from both countries to network, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations in the field of education.

The workshop focussed on how collaboration can support university rankings, and how research partnerships feature in QS Asia and World University Rankings (WUR). The workshop offered both a beginners view as well as an advanced understanding of rankings. The workshop also touched up the methodology revision expected in the next edition of QS World University Rankings.

Institutions seeking to be ranked must be degree-granting, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, in at least two out of the broad five faculty areas as per QS. Inclusion is subject to a published threshold every year (1400 for World and 700 for Asia). Those seeking to be in the world ranking must meet a paper threshold of 100 papers in Scopus over the last 5 years, and must feature in the top 50% of a regional ranking (Asia). Institutions also need to feature in the top 30% of academic reputation.

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Regional Director for Africa, Middle East, and South Asia at QS and an ambassador of the quality movement in education, emphasised the importance of continuous improvement and raising the bar in education. “By setting these standards and continuously evolving them over time, we aim to provide a relevant benchmark for institutions that are seeking global recognition” he said. He also added that “QS Rankings have been produced keeping students at heart of the exercise and our rankings should be relevant to them, and support them in making decisions on higher studies’ ‘.

Mr. Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, emphasised the importance of building strong relationships with international partners. “The presence of all eight universities from New Zealand in this session is a testament to our commitment towards collaborating and finding solutions for our academics, students, and researchers,” he said.

To further strengthen the education relationship between India and New Zealand and encourage dialogue on research, innovation and education cooperation, ENZ organised a New Zealand India Education Week from 17-22 April, featuring 23 representatives from eight New Zealand universities and government agencies, including a ranking workshop.

“As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential for universities to forge global partnerships and collaborations. The Ranking Workshop organized by Education New Zealand, Quacquarelli Symonds, and NMIMS University provided a platform for universities from New Zealand and India to come together, share insights and best practices, and explore opportunities for collaboration. I am confident that these discussions will pave the way for meaningful partnerships that will benefit students and researchers in both countries.” Dr. Meena Chintamani, Pro Vice Chancellor, SVKM, NMIMS, looking forward to hosting such interactive sessions for students to learn about Inclusion in International Universities.

ENZ is dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s education system as one that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and enlightened learning, resulting in successful careers and a positive impact on the world. The event was a success and provided a platform for universities to collaborate and explore potential partnerships in education.