Archives May 2024

INDIA, Gurugram, 9th May 2024 — OLX, India’s leading online classifieds platform, has announced its strategic move to focus on its classified business post its acquisition by Cartrade Tech (NSE: CARTRADE).

This strategic pivot reflects OLX’s commitment to offering over 35 million monthly active unique (MAU) users a seamless experience of buying and selling pre-owned goods, enhancing their lives every single day.

Beyond buying and selling, these transactions also help build meaningful connections and positive outcomes. The OLX platform provides consumers and businesses with access to the widest array of used goods in India, enabling them to buy their most preferred brands without any budgetary constraints, turning aspirations into reality.

OLX aims to redefine the online classified landscape with its multi-category platform for its users, thereby enhancing user experiences with quality products that foster trust within the community by continuously educating them about online safety.

Focus Categories

OLX continues to have a strong presence across various segments within the online classified landscape, with one of the largest dealer networks and listings spanning 12 broad categories. Going forward, OLX is expanding its focus to encompass a wider range of categories, including real estate, jobs, consumer durables, and smartphones, in addition to its existing pre-owned car and bike category. These five categories collectively contribute to more than 80% of OLX’s listings, of over 3 million each month. This strategic move aligns with OLX’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Furthermore, the recent acquisition of OLX by the CarTrade Group has significantly enhanced the company’s reach, with over 70 million unique consumers being served on a monthly basis across the group companies. This positions OLX as one of the largest consumer-facing businesses in India, further solidifying its market presence.

Key Industry Partnerships

OLX is actively forming partnerships with industry leaders across key categories to enhance its platform and deliver an unparalleled user experience. As the enabler, OLX aims to provide access to relevant business partners that include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other service providers e.g. financial institutions, to its extensive user base of more than 35 million to expand market reach and offer its consumers a wide range of products and services.

OLX recently announced two such partnerships, one with Cars24 and the other with Royal Enfield. The partnership with Cars24 harnesses the synergies between the platforms, offering users an expanded array of options with enhanced features, including warranties on its used cars, an industry first for purchasing and selling pre-owned cars on a used-goods platform.

The collaboration with Royal Enfield introduces ‘Reown,’ their initiative for a company-operated pre-owned motorcycle business. This initiative facilitates seamless access to potential consumers to buy certified pre-owned Royal Enfield motorcycles directly through the OLX platform.

“We are excited about this strategic move and the unprecedented growth achieved through our integration with the CarTrade Group, further solidifying our commitment to serving consumers. It aligns with our vision to be at the forefront of the online classifieds space, offering users not only a reliable platform for automotive transactions but also a versatile marketplace for diverse needs. Our focus on real estate, bikes, jobs, consumer durables, and smartphones is set to solidify OLX’s leadership position and deliver great value to our users.”, said Amit Kumar, Managing Director & CEO OLX India

By – Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The political atmosphere in India has a big impact on the property market, just like it does in other countries – especially during general election seasons. Election cycles have had a discernible impact on the real estate market over the last twelve years. What should end users and investors expect after the forthcoming general elections? Let’s examine the behavior of the Indian housing market before and after the general elections.

Trends Ahead of the Election

In the past, we have seen that the Indian real estate market tends to slow down in the run-up to general elections. This is because buyers and investors become cautious when there is uncertainty surrounding the results of elections and possible changes to policy. Pre-election data usually shows a trend of lower transaction volumes and reduced rate of property price rises.

For example, the market saw a notable decline in sales and new launches during the 2014 general elections. The top seven cities in India had an almost 30% drop in home sales in the quarters preceding the elections. Similar patterns were seen in 2019, with the primary and secondary markets slowing down as aspiring buyers and investors opted to wait and watch.

Recovery Following Election

The housing market usually rebounds markedly after elections. Clarity on government policy and restored consumer confidence are often the driving forces behind this rebound. Following the 2014 elections that resulted in the arrival of a stable government, there was a notable upturn in the market. Positive consumer sentiment and increased investment caused an almost 50% increase in sales in the following months, according to reports.

These patterns were repeated in the 2019 elections. Again, the reviving market momentum was supported by the guarantee of political stability. Another factor at play was that people now had confidence in the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act or RERA. By the end of 2019, new investments were flooding the market, not only in the residential space but also in commercial real estate.

Current Market & Future Outlook

This year, the housing market in India has remained resilient even in the period of uncertainty before the general elections. The current government has taken several measures to increase housing demand, infrastructure development, and economic reforms. A general confidence that this government will continue to remain in power has provided considerable protection from the typical pre-election downturn.

After the election, the Indian housing sector has every reason to remain upbeat. The market will definitely rise if the party in power can maintain the policy and safeguard economic stability. There are also industry expectations that the GST applicable on building supplies may be moderated with upcoming regulations. This would prove to be a big shot in the arm for both developers and their customers, as will help keep property price rises in check.

Apart from that, there are expectations that the availability of financing for the housing sector may improve and that affordable housing once again becomes a priority sector for the government. All this will certainly contribute to steadily improving housing market dynamics.

Implications for Investors

The post-election phase will deliver very attractive opportunities for both buyers and investors of residential real estate. Once the government announces more measures to boost the market and stabilize the economy further, real estate will rise and yield very significant returns due to price appreciation and increased demand. Such measures will dovetail very well with the growing trend of digitization and transparency in real estate transactions.

Hyderabad, 8th May 2024: Heartfulness Institute organized a unique youth-oriented inner transformation and leadership drive for ages between 15 and 20 at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the largest meditation center in the world. The campaign which was inaugurated in its first edition today will be a week-long event with thousands of students and youth coming to Kanha Shanti Vanam from across the country. The campaign was inaugurated by Rev. Daaji – Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The purpose of the campaign is also to mold today’s youth through introspective techniques, Heartfulness cleansing and meditation, leadership training and communication building, developing sensitivity towards nature, and cultivating compassion, and creativity. The participants are being offered free food and accommodation.

The inaugural day’s chief highlights were sessions on ‘Need for teen ages to be the change makers’ ‘Towards the integrated self’ and ‘Identifying intuition’. This apart, the youth had collective guided Heartfulness cleansing and meditation sessions.

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Youth are the backbone of this country. India has the highest population of youth today and we must make them strong individuals with integrity and holistic wellness who will lead our country towards true all-round progress. This campaign is designed to transform them into such extraordinary men and women.”

The rest of the six days of the Global Teens Meet will involve educating youth on plants and their importance, story-building sessions, being in touch with nature, Heartful communication sessions, and guided meditation sessions. Other areas of modern-day know-how on financial literacy and social media ethics are also included in the campaign so that the youth derive the maximum training in conducting themselves in the real world.

“As we are aware that the theme of World Asthma Day this year is ‘Asthma Education Empowers,‘ we need to empower every asthma sufferer through education, equipping them with the tools to manage their condition effectively and stressing the importance of seeking timely medical assistance. To achieve this, all healthcare professionals need to expand their understanding of asthma, encompassing its treatment and the latest evidence-based strategies, ensuring that patients receive reliable guidance and optimal care. Let us concede the overwhelming number of people in our country suffering from this respiratory condition. According to a recent estimate Asthma has impacted over 260 million people globally and claims approximately 4,50,000 lives annually. However, amongst this challenge lies an optimism – nutraceuticals. These natural composites play a dynamic role in managing and alleviating asthma symptoms, offering a harmonizing tactic to conservative treatments. By fitting nutraceuticals into all-inclusive asthma management approaches, we can deliver complete care, improving the quality of life for millions. Omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts, and flaxseeds, all have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lessen airway irritation and improve lung function in asthma patients. Also, Vitamin D, often scarce in asthma patients, has been revealed to diminish the peril of asthma attacks and improve lung function. Asthma patients can also take Quercetin found in foods like apples and onions possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate asthma symptoms. Magnesium, known for its bronchodilator effects and found in foods like almonds, spinach, and avocados, can help relax the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier for asthma sufferers. Last but not least, Asthma patients can also consume vitamin C, which is found plentiful in bell peppers and citrus fruits and acts as an effective antioxidant that also helps drop oxidative stress in the lungs and reduces the risk of asthma aggravations.” – Mr. Karthik Kondepudi, Partner at Herbochem

With Ajay Devgn’s latest supernatural thriller, Shaitaan, having hit Netflix for its OTT debut, horror fans were in for a spine-chilling treat. But why stop there? Dive deeper into the realm of supernatural scares with our handpicked selection of five must-watch horror thrillers. From ghostly apparitions to sinister secrets, these films promise to keep you glued to the edge of your seat. So, as you prepare to embark on a journey into the unknown, make sure to add these gripping tales to your watchlist for an unforgettable binge-watching experience.

Stree
Stree on Netflix is an unmissable supernatural horror thriller that combines spine-chilling suspense with uproarious comedy. Set in the town of Chanderi, it follows Vicky, a dressmaker, whose encounter with a mysterious woman unveils the haunting legend of Stree, a vengeful spirit who preys on men at night. Led by a talented cast including Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, and directed by Amar Kaushik, the film blends humor with horror as it unravels the dark secrets of the village. Whether you love comedy or thrillers, Stree promises an unforgettable cinematic experience that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Vash
Vash on ShemarooMe is a gripping supernatural horror thriller you won’t want to miss. This Gujarati masterpiece, directed by Krishnadev Yagnik, tells the story of a tranquil family whose lives are disrupted by the enigmatic Prataap (played by Hiten Kumar). As their daughter Arya (Janki Bodiwala) falls under his spell, a battle between good and evil ensues. With stellar performances and haunting visuals, Vash keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the family navigates Prataap’s sinister intentions. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this thrilling journey exclusively on ShemarooMe.

Pari
Pari on Prime Video is a captivating supernatural horror thriller that delves into the dark world of a superstitious cult in Bangladesh. Led by Anushka Sharma, the film explores the unsettling beliefs and practices of the cult dedicated to the demon Ifrit. Directed by Prosit Roy, “Pari” offers a mesmerizing narrative that delves into human psychology and belief systems, serving as a thought-provoking exploration of superstition and faith. With a talented cast and intense storyline, “Pari” is a must-watch for those seeking a chilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Don’t miss out on this gripping journey into the depths of human nature, exclusively on Prime Video.

Laxmi
Laxmii on Disney+Hotstar is a must-watch supernatural horror thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Led by a stellar cast including Kiara Advani and Akshay Kumar, the film delves into the chilling tale of a murdered family, entwined with spine-tingling horror flashbacks and a gripping revenge plot. Directed by Raghava Lawrence, “Laxmii” follows Asif’s harrowing journey as he uncovers the truth behind his family’s tragedy, seeking vengeance against the forces of darkness. Packed with suspense, drama, and intense action, this electrifying thriller promises an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride from start to finish.

Bulbbul
Bulbbul on Prime Video is a captivating supernatural horror thriller that lures viewers into a world of mystery and power. Set in a village haunted by malevolent forces, it follows the transformation of a young bride into a formidable woman, concealing a dark past. With themes of feminism, treachery, and ancient beliefs, the series grips audiences in a quest for truth amidst supernatural murders. Led by a stellar cast and helmed by director Anvita Dutt Guptan, Bulbbul promises suspenseful storytelling and compelling performances. For those seeking immersive thrills and thought-provoking narratives, Bulbbul is a must-watch.
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As the mercury rises, ShemarooMe is all set to turn up the heat in the world of entertainment with the exclusive streaming of three superhit films this summer – ‘Vash,’ ‘Lagan Special,’ and ‘Kamthaan.’ Offering a delightful mix of genres to cater to every taste, these films promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and glued to their screens.

Following the digital premiere of ‘Vash’ on ShemarooMe, gear up for the release of ‘Lagan Special’ in June, while ‘Kamthaan’ is slated to launch on the app soon. Expect the best of entertainment and performances from the leading stars of Gujarati Cinema, including Malhar Thakkar, Hitu Kanodia, Sanjay Goradia, Hiten Kumar, Janki Bodiwala, Niilam Panchal, Puja Joshi and many others.

Vash, recently released on ShemarooMe, is a gripping supernatural horror thriller film, directed by the acclaimed Krishnadev Yagnik starring Janki Bodiwala, Hiten Kumar, Hitu Kanodia, and Niilam Panchal in unforgettable roles. Having garnered acclaim not only in Gujarat but also across India, it transcends language barriers with its universal appeal. With a spine-chilling plot and haunting visuals, the Gujarati masterpiece is poised to be a major draw for fans of the thriller genre. Vash follows a blissful family whose tranquillity is shattered by the enigmatic Prataap (Hiten Kumar), leading to a battle between good and evil. Will they succumb to darkness, or will they rise to conquer evil?

Experience the magic of romance like never before with Lagan Special, a heartwarming family comedy-drama featuring the heartthrob of Gujarat, Malhar Thakar along with the talented Puja Joshi, and Mitra Gadhavi among others. Soon to be married, Shekhar & Suman’s lives hit a rough patch when Suman discovers Shekhar’s lack of feelings for her. With the wedding abruptly called off, Shekhar faces a daunting challenge to win back Suman’s trust. Filled with quirky characters and heartfelt performances, Lagan Special celebrates the power of love, sacrifice, and hope. Join the unforgettable journey of two souls as they navigate through the trials and tribulations of life, proving that true love conquers all.

Last but certainly not least, Comedy will take center stage with Kamthaan, a laugh-out-loud extravaganza starring Hitu Kanodia, Sanjay Goradia, Arvind Vaidya, Darshan Jariwala, and a talented ensemble cast. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of chaos as a thief’s daring robbery sets off a chain of events that culminate in a hilarious game of chase with the police. Packed with witty humor and hilarious moments, Kamthaan guarantees non-stop entertainment for the entire family.

With Vash, Lagan Special, and Kamthaan, ShemarooMe is all set to redefine entertainment this summer. Whether you’re a fan of spine-tingling thrills, heartwarming dramas, or side-splitting comedies, ShemarooMe has got something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience, only on ShemarooMe.

Mumbai- One of the best & affordable Healthcare service providers Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai has organized a Mega Surgery Camp in celebration of Maharashtra Day & International Workers Day from 1st May to 30th May 2024 at Apex Hospitals, Kandivali & Mulund. The Mega Surgery Camp was launched to provide accessible healthcare services to members of the community who are otherwise unable to pay expensive hospital fees and prices associated with surgeries and treatments. On this special occasion, Apex Group of Hospitals has offered Free Consultations for Cardiology, General & laparoscopic surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, orthopedics & ophthalmology. Under this Mega surgery camp the benefits include 20% off on medicine bills, 50 % off in-house Investigations and mega Discounts on all types of surgeries, free expert second opinions on surgeries, Free diet consultation, and Free health awareness tips.

The tagline for the Mega Surgery Camp is “Affordable & Quality Healthcare for All” and it seeks to remind people that their health should always be taken seriously. The hospital believes this initiative will help those who have been neglected due to financial issues get the necessary medical attention they need. Dr. Tanvi Shah Assistant Director (Apex Group of Hospitals) said that ” This is a great opportunity for us to use our resources and facilities to give back to society in a meaningful way. We want to ensure everyone has access to quality medical services regardless of income levels or financial limitations. The response has been very encouraging with many patients coming forward for surgery consultation which have been delayed or ignored over the years. Doctors from different departments such as General Medicine, Cardiology, General & Laparoscopic, Orthopedics, ENT & Ophthalmology and others having query from All over Mumbai & suburban area and at the same time from Thane, Navi Mumbai & Palghar district also.”

“The cybersecurity attack on Colonial Pipeline was a clear demonstration of how disruptions of privately-owned infrastructure can have a massive economic impact. Since then, we’ve seen countless other high-profile cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. In 2023 alone, IC3 received 1,193 complaints indicating critical infrastructure organizations were victims of ransomware attacks. These are voluntary reports, the actual number of attacks is unknown – and likely much higher.

Efforts to infiltrate the underlying systems that support not only our daily lives but also our economies are emerging as an acute national security risk. These attacks are being executed by ransomware gangs and well-funded global adversaries that don’t share Western values. Last month, cybersecurity researchers linked a January 2024 attack on a Texas water facility to Sandworm, an infamous Russian threat group.

There is a clear and present threat that we cannot afford to ignore.

While organizations have become increasingly transparent about incidents as they happen or soon after, we need transparency now to prevent future catastrophic cyberattacks. We’ve witnessed the success of this collaboration in action after the attack on Unitronics PLCs in Aliquippa, PA. Industries and government officials have demonstrated they know how to work together, but collectively we have to be open and dedicated to continuing this practice.”- Marty Edwards, Deputy CTO for OT/IoT, Tenable

MUMBAI—8th May 2024 — Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, recently unveiled a one-of-its-kind marketing campaign as a precursor to the date announcement of its upcoming Original series Panchayat Season 3. What sets this campaign apart from other title announcement initiatives is the inventive use of one of the most underrated yet constant summer vegetables in many Indian households – Lauki. By positioning this simple yet highly versatile vegetable, which has been an integral part of the series’ narrative from the beginning, at the core of the campaign, Prime Video reinforces its commitment to delivering authenticity, originality, and innovation in its programming and marketing. This approach has made Panchayat ki lauki a buzzworthy topic nationwide.

The week-long hybrid marketing campaign, encompassing both digital as well as offline, began on April 29. Prime Video kicked off the campaign by launching an intriguing website – www.panchayat3date.com that featured the date announcement creative covered with laukis. The visitors were urged to pluck (click) the iconic Phulera ki lakes to unveil the official launch date. Simultaneously, the laukis adorned billboards across Mumbai and Delhi, concealing the date, and creating curiosity amongst the on-lookers.

As the lakes were being removed online, the progress was also being reflected on the hoardings across Delhi and Mumbai, further amping up the curiosity and fueling excitement amongst the public. The success of the campaign could be seen in the fact that over one million people were engaged, with 14,02,077 laukis being clicked off from the image on the webpage. Getting caught up in the lauki ki peeche ka raaz fervor, the cast of Panchayat, along with several social media influencers urged Panchayat fans as well as their followers to participate in this unique initiative by posting snippets about the campaign on their social media handles. The on-ground initiative also extended to prominent vegetable markets in major and smaller cities nationwide, such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Indore, and New Delhi, to name a few. These markets were inundated with laukis bearing the release date, accompanied by visits from the series’ cast, amplifying awareness of the show among the general public.

Prime Video also gifted the launch date stamped laukis, or as many will consider, the lucky mascot of Original series Panchayat, to several social media influencers.

Panchayat, with its light-hearted, realistic narrative and characters has become an antidote for many to tackle the mundane, stressful lives one leads. Over the last 4 years, the series has proved to be a perfect “comfort watch’, across demographics and age groups. Based on this interesting customer insight, the streaming service conceptualized the campaign line, ‘Tension Khatam. Panchayat Shuru’, with hoardings spreading the message of ‘Panchayat Lijiye’, as a magic pill to drive away all your worries and leave you with a smile and a lighter mood. Each season of Panchayat has become a proxy to actionable solutions to everyday problems. Through targeted advertisements, engaging social media content, and interactive experiences, Prime Video saw an unprecedented level of engagement amongst existing as well as potential customers. The success of this campaign underscores Prime Video’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional content and unparalleled experiences to viewers worldwide.

Prime Video executed the campaign alongside its agency partners Kulfi Collective, So Cheers, Initiative (IPG), and Trzy Innovations.

Created by The Viral Fever, Panchayat S3 is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and written by Chandan Kumar. The star cast boasts Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Sanvikaa in pivotal roles. The new season will premiere in Hindi, with dubs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on May 28.

 08th May 2024: Sports Star Academy, one of the leading sports academies in Australia run by professional coaches is excited to announce its entry into the Indian market through a strategic collaboration with Franchise India, Asia’s largest integrated Franchise and Retail Solution Company since 1999, with absolute authority on Franchising, Retailing and Licensing.

This exciting alliance marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy and also aims to revolutionize the sports academy franchise landscape in India.

The Academy has delivered across 330 school avenues and 100 franchises across Australia. The key objective for its expansion in India is to provide young players with access to high-quality training and development opportunities by focusing on mental well-being.

With exceptional achievements in Australia, Sport Star Academy has rapidly emerged as a quality children’s sports programs academy for creating a movement of change for tomorrow’s grassroots leaders. Starting over from only one sport, Football Star Academy in 2010 to 12 sports in 2024, the journey has been commendable for the company.

Commenting on the business expansion, Mr Peter Nikolakopoulos, Founder and CFE, Sport Star Academy stated “As we expand Sport Star Academy into the vibrant and diverse market of India, we are not just bringing coaching expertise, we are igniting a passion for sports and fostering a culture of excellence within local communities. Our goal is to empower young players with the skills, confidence, and values they need to succeed, both on and off the field. Through Sport Star Academy in India, we aim to make a lasting impact, shaping future leaders and champions who will inspire generations to come”

Mr Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group also expressed the excitement of collaboration, saying “The sports business in India is rapidly expanding and represents the next great opportunity. Training is the first and most important phase in professional sports, and it should begin from an initial stage. If we want to develop Olympic athletes in the next 20 years, we must train them to begin playing at the age of 4-5 years. This alliance will result in a significant revolution in the sports business.”

The two companies are collectively set to drive growth in the sports industry with three key objectives: skill-based development, mental wellbeing, and community building. By encouraging children and adolescents to engage in regular physical activity through organized sports programs, Sport Star Academy can contribute to reducing sedentary lifestyles and combating issues like childhood obesity.

Through its programs, Sport Star Academy aims to help young athletes in India build strong mental foundations, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges both on and off the field. By establishing sports programs in Indian communities, Sport Star Academy can contribute to community cohesion and foster a sense of belonging among participants which can lead to stronger social ties, increased civic engagement and a more inclusive society.