Archives June 2024

Malappuram, 25th  June 2024: Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India reinforces its commitment to road safety with another impactful awareness campaign in Malappuram, Kerala. Hosted on the grounds of Seethi Sahib Memorial Polytechnic College and N.S.S English Medium High School, the campaign marked a significant milestone for HMSI, engaging over 1700 students and staff members. 

The road safety campaign featured interactive activities such as safety riding theory session, danger prediction training, road safety quiz, helmet awareness, and Riding Trainer session that kept the participants engaged throughout the campaign.

HMSI prioritizes the safety of every individual, and in line with this dedication, the company has been conducting road safety awareness campaigns across various regions of the country. These initiatives aim to provide crucial information and guidance on safe driving practices. Malappuram is the latest city to benefit from this initiative, as HMSI strives to equip the community with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe navigation on the roads.

HMSI extends its gratitude to the authorities of Seethi Sahib Memorial Polytechnic College and N.S.S English Medium High School, for their support in organizing this important initiative. Together, we can make a significant difference in creating safer roads and reducing accidents.

Since its inception, HMSI has educated nearly 4 lac adults and children in Kerala, promoting responsible road usage, and cultivating safe riding habits. Additionally, HMSI has reached more than 60 lac individuals across the country with its road safety education initiatives.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda globally made a vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is inculcating a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and colleges is not only to create awareness but also to inculcate a safety culture in young minds and turn them to be the safety ambassador. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society. 

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to corporates and society.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has impacted over 5.7 million Indian citizens. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through: 

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquettes.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.
2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.
3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

Mumbai, June 25th, 2024: HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd., investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund (HDFC MF), one of India’s leading mutual fund houses, announces the launch of the HDFC NIFTY100 Low Volatility 30 Index Fund, a passively managed fund that aims to track the NIFTY100 Low Volatility 30 Total Returns Index. The new fund offering (NFO) opens on June 21st and closes on July 5th, 2024. This scheme could be suitable for investors aiming to seek long-term wealth creation with exposure to the 30 least volatile stocks from the largecap parent Index, i.e. NIFTY 100.

The NIFTY 100 Low Volatility 30 TRI selects 30 stocks with lowest volatility in the last one year from the NIFTY 100 universe. The NIFTY100 Low Volatility 30 TRI Index has historically provided higher average rolling returns over 1, 3, 5 and 10 year horizons compared to the NIFTY 100 Index. (Source: NSE Indices Ltd data, internal calculations.) Moreover, this Index has historically demonstrated resilience during periods of market stress i.e. it has fallen less than the NIFTY 100 TRI in each of the Financial Years’ where the NIFTY 100 TRI had a negative return. Such performance in both rising and falling markets creates an interesting case to consider investing in the HDFC NIFTY100 Low Volatility 30 Index Fund. The Scheme offers investors a low-cost vehicle to gain exposure to India’s large-cap companies with potentially lower volatility and could be an opportunity for potential long-term wealth creation. The fund will be managed by Mr. Nirman Morakhia and Mr. Arun Agarwal. The minimum investment amount during the NFO period and the continuous offer period (after the scheme re-opens for repurchase and sale) is Rs. 100 and any amount thereafter. Allotment of units will be done after deduction of applicable stamp duty and transaction charges, if any.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said, “At HDFC Mutual Fund, our mission to be the wealth creator for every Indian continues to drive us to offer a wide range of investment solutions to meet the needs of investors. We remain committed to delivering excellence in Index Solutions, leveraging our 20+ years of expertise in this space. We are excited to introduce HDFC NIFTY100 Low Volatility 30 Index Fund, which provides investors a simplified way to deal with market volatility.”

New Delhi, June 25th 2024: Krisumi Corporation, a leading real estate developer, is set to invest Rs 2000 crore in Phase 3 & Phase 4 of Krisumi City comprising 1051 luxury units in Sector 36A, Gurugram, Haryana. This significant investment is in addition to the land cost.

Spanning 5.88 acres, ‘Waterside Residences’ and ‘Waterfall Suites II’ will feature four towers with 1-BHK, 2-BHK, 3-BHK, and 4-BHK penthouses ranging from 940 sq. ft to 10,316 sq. ft. The project boasts a total developable area of 2.3 million square feet (built-up area).

In addition, Krisumi will develop a state-of-the-art club over 2 acres, with a built-up area of approximately 1,60,000 square feet in Sector 36A, Gurugram, entailing an investment of Rs 350 crore.

“We have redefined luxury in Gurugram’s housing market by bringing high-end living into smaller sizes, a rarity in the NCR region. At Krisumi, we see ourselves not just as a real estate company but as a hospitality company aiming to deliver a 5-star lifestyle to the residents of Krisumi City. The concept and design of the clubhouse were my brainchild, and I have been deeply involved in every step of its development,” said Mr. Mohit Jain, Managing Director, Krisumi Corporation.

“The overwhelming response we’ve received highlights the market’s demand for our unique offerings. We received 1024 expressions of interest to buy, for our 1051 apartments available, all in a single day. We are now in the process of selecting buyer profiles for allotment. The current market trends show a significant shift towards larger, luxury apartments post-pandemic. We are confident in achieving a total revenue realization of Rs 4000 crore,” said Mr. Vineet Nanda, Director Sales and Marketing, Krisumi Corporation. “Looking ahead, we see a promising future as more buyers recognize the value of a comprehensive lifestyle that blends luxury with functionality.”

The funding for this project will come from a mix of equity contribution, sales proceeds, and internal accruals.

Having received RERA approval earlier this year, construction activities commenced last month, with the project scheduled for completion by December 2029.

Detailing the upcoming club, Mr. Nanda added, “The Cascades Club will be a landmark in NCR, offering the first indoor air-conditioned sports facilities. This exclusive club is designed to provide an unparalleled lifestyle experience, featuring a range of world-class amenities. Krisumi stands out as the sole company offering a luxurious club spanning 1.60 lakh square feet, with an investment of 350 crores. This exclusive amenity is available to apartment owners for just 2.5 crores.

For sports enthusiasts, we are offering facilities such as an indoor futsal court, pedal court, table tennis, badminton, basketball, cricket nets, and squash courts, all within a climate-controlled environment. The club will also house multiple dining options including a multi-cuisine restaurant, specialty restaurants, a bar, a cigar lounge, a wine bar, and a sports bar. For those seeking relaxation and wellness, the club will feature a state-of-the-art gymnasium, steam rooms, saunas, a spa, a heated indoor plunge pool, and an outdoor swimming pool. Additionally, there will be a card room, library, business centre, meeting rooms, and co-working spaces to cater to the diverse needs of our residents.

“Krisumi’s commitment to quality and innovation in real estate is unparalleled. Our partnership with Krishna Group reflects our shared vision of creating world-class living spaces in India. The success of our previous phases and the overwhelming response to our new launch reaffirm our belief in the potential of the Indian real estate market,” said Mr. Yuji Kato, Director and Co-CEO, Krisumi Corporation

Krisumi is a prominent developer in the Delhi-NCR region, a joint venture between Krishna Group and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation. It is already developing several phases of Krisumi City, a self-sustained integrated township in Sector 36A, Gurugram. Waterfall Residences, Phase 1 of the development comprising 433 units, is nearing completion, with an occupancy certificate application submitted. Waterfall Suites, Phase 2 comprising 320 units, launched in May last year, is progressing rapidly and is scheduled for delivery by Q4 2028.

A team of researchers led by Monash University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have published the first compelling evidence of the therapeutic potential of a new therapy to treat hypertension-induced organ damage.

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, may lead to heart, kidney and blood vessel damage. Current treatments often fall short, leaving those affected vulnerable to complications like enlarged hearts and weakened blood vessels. Addressing underlying inflammation is crucial to improving outcomes and reducing associated risks.

Consequently, the team from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) and The Baker Heart Institute set out to investigate how a novel small-molecule pro-resolving activator called ‘compound17b’ (Cmpd17b) – which MIPS researchers have previously shown to protect against heart attack – might also protect against hypertension-induced end-organ damage.

Through a comprehensive investigation involving both animal and human studies, the research team has unveiled the potential of Cmpd17b in mitigating the detrimental effects of hypertension-induced organ damage. By activating the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) family, known for its pivotal role in regulating inflammation, Cmpd17b emerges as a potent therapeutic agent capable of safeguarding against the ravages of high blood pressure on vital organs.

Co-first author on the Cardiovascular Research study, and MIPS PhD candidate Jaideep Singh, said the discovery of Cmpd17b as a potential treatment for hypertension-induced end-organ damage has been both encouraging and exciting for the team behind the research.

“Organ damage is a pathological feature of hypertension, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, however current drugs to treat hypertension are limited when it comes to treating hypertension-induced end- organ damage, so there is absolutely a need to resolve this,” said Mr Singh.

“Our team has shown, for the first time, that not only does Cmpd17b normalise structure and function of heart and blood vessels in hypertensive mice, there is also a clear correlation with human hypertension suggesting Cmpd17b might also be effective in clinical settings.”

Professor Geoff Head AM, a senior author on the study and Head of the Neuropharmacology Laboratory at the Baker Institute, said organ impairment as a result of hypertension is prevalent and remains a significant contributor to poor outcomes.

“FPRs are like bodyguards that control inflammation, a big problem in high blood pressure. As a team it’s exciting to report that Cmpd17b, which activates these FPRs, could be a promising way to prevent and treat the damage high blood pressure does to our organs in the long run,” said Professor Head.

Dr Chengxue Helena Qin, corresponding author on the study, MIPS lab head and National Heart Foundation Future Fellow said the study revealed significant changes in the proteins and pathways in the hearts and blood vessels of mice with high blood pressure.

“We found that Cmpd17b, a new type of medication, can reverse some of these changes and improve heart and blood vessel health. This suggests that similar treatments might work in people with high blood pressure too,” said Dr Qin.

“Using medications like Cmpd17b could be a promising new approach to treating complications of high blood pressure, potentially reversing damage to organs like the heart and blood vessels. Combining Cmpd17b with existing treatments could provide even better results in managing cardiovascular problems related to hypertension.”

This work was partly funded by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Australian Medical Research Future Fund, the NHMRC Ideas grants and the Victorian Government of Australia’s Operational Infrastructure Support Program.

Bengaluru, India  June 25th, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled its Music Frame in India. A wireless speaker that looks like a work of art, the Samsung Music Frame comes with new features such as Dolby Atmos and wireless music streaming.

The stylish wireless speaker blends seamlessly into living spaces like never before by doubling as a picture frame. Just like a real frame, the Samsung Music Frame allows users to display personal photos. Listening to music while looking at a framed photo of a precious memory or a piece of art adds new levels of depth to users’ experiences.

The Samsung Music Frame will be available across Samsung.in and Amazon.in and across select offline stores starting today.

“Modern consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only blend functionality and aesthetics, but also add visual appeal. This trend is driven by a desire for products that reflect their personality and style, and enhance the overall ambience of their living space. The new Music Frame epitomizes exceptional technology in the form of a picture frame with its unique, elegant design while delivering a cinematic audio experience,” said Mohandeep Singh, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung India.

The Music Frame offers users the convenience of wire-free listening while delivering superior sound quality that fills any space with rich, clear audio. Its personalized, framed artwork enhances home decor, reflecting Samsung’s passion for leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate living spaces. This makes it a powerful addition to any household, providing stunning visual appeal and exceptional audio performance, all in one elegantly crafted device.

Dolby Atmos Technology

Immerse in a three-dimensional audio experience that surrounds from every angle, creating a lifelike soundscape that enhances listening pleasure. Be it watching a movie, listening to music, or playing games, Dolby Atmos technology elevates the audio experience to new heights, pulling users into the heart of the action.

Consistent Sound Quality

Enjoy balanced and consistent audio quality from any corner of the room, ensuring an optimal listening experience regardless of location. The speaker eliminates uneven sound distribution and promotes crystal-clear audio throughout the room, making every seat the best seat in the house.

Effortless Control

The Music Frame offers effortless control with built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can simply speak commands, and the Music Frame responds, enabling play, pause, track skipping, and volume adjustment without any manual intervention. This feature provides hands-free convenience and seamless control over the audio experience.

Personalized Sound Optimization

Tailor the audio experience to the specific room environment with advanced room analysis and optimization technology. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes the acoustics of the room and adjusts the sound output accordingly, ensuring optimal audio quality tailored to the space. This technology transforms one-size-fits-all audio into personalized sound perfection 

Q-Symphony Integration

Users can utilize Q-Symphony for richer stereo sound by placing two Music Frames on either side of their TVs. For surround sound, users can place a soundbar in front of their TV and a Music Frame on the opposite wall to act as a rear speaker. With the SmartThings app, users can set the equalizer settings to their preferences.

Adaptive Audio Performance

Experience audio that adapts to the content in real-time, delivering clear voices and detailed sounds optimized for every scene and volume level.

Rahul Goenka, Director of ElectroRide, expressed enthusiasm about this endeavor, stating, “Our collaboration with Battery Smart, a key player in the Indian two and three-wheeler EV market, underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the electric mobility landscape. The deployment of 2,500 battery swapping stations is a testament to our vision for a sustainable and accessible electric vehicle infrastructure in India. This initiative aligns with the government’s push towards greener transportation solutions and is poised to make electric vehicles more viable for the masses. The strategic placement of these stations aims to cater to the needs of urban and intercity electric vehicle commuters, fostering a paradigm shift towards cleaner and efficient mobility solutions.”

“We are excited to partner with ElectroRide as they continue strengthening India’s EV infrastructure. With the growing adoption and acceptance of electric vehicles nationwide, it is crucial to expand access to battery swapping stations. This will enable two and three-wheeler EV users to benefit from the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency that battery swapping offers,” added Nishant Garg, Senior Director – Expansion, Battery Smart.

Anuj Kejriwal, CEO & Jt. MD – ANAROCK Retail

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed e-commerce into a primary shopping method for Indians. Initially driven by deep discounts, e-commerce’s appeal has endured even as these offers faded. By 2023, e-commerce comprised 7.1% of India’s total retail market, up from 4.7% in 2019, and is expected to reach nearly 10% by mid-2024.

Omni-Channel Retailing: A Game-Changer 

Previously an optional strategy, omni-channel retailing has become essential. It aims to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including physical stores, mobile apps, and online platforms. Although it first emerged in global markets like the United States, Canada, Europe, and China in 2010, India adopted it around 2017 with brands like Levi’s, United Colors of Benetton, and USPA leading the way in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Some Key Statistics 

Various data points highlight the importance of omni-channel strategies:

• According to Kantar IMRB, over 70% of Indian consumers research online before making offline purchases.
• PWC India reports that over 40% of consumers prefer a blend of online and offline shopping channels.
• A Harvard Business Review study shows that seamless omni-channel experiences can boost customer lifetime value by 20-25%. 

Indian Success Stories 

Some of the leading brands today exemplify the benefits of omni-channel retailing:

• Lenskart: Achieved a 70% conversion rate by combining online product discovery with offline try-ons and purchases.
• Fabindia: Enhanced convenience by integrating online and offline inventories for customer-driven fulfillment.
• Nykaa: Created a cohesive brand experience through beauty advisors in physical stores, personalized online recommendations, and click-and-collect options. 

Expanding Offline Presence 

In 2023, there was a 60% increase in direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands expanding into offline spaces across major retail markets, up from 9 to 11 cities. Brands are making stores more experiential, with a 59% increase in average store size from 730 sq. ft. in 2022 to 1,160 sq. ft. in 2023.

The Importance of Physical Stores 

Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical stores remain crucial for building trust and enhancing brand image, especially for premium products. Pop-up stores and experiential centers play a vital role in engaging consumers and generating excitement.

The Omni-Channel Imperative 

Harmonizing online and offline channels is key to meeting modern consumer expectations. Here are some essential strategies:

• Ensure seamless inventory visibility across channels.
• Implement click-and-collect, buy online return in store (BORIS), and other omnichannel fulfillment options.
• Train staff to be omnichannel champions, guiding customers seamlessly.
• Leverage data to personalize the experience across channels.

Adopting omni-channel retailing allows brands to meet the demands of today’s Indian consumers, offering convenience, diversity, and connectivity. This comprehensive approach positions brands to maximize their potential in the dynamic Indian retail market.

June 25th, 2024: In a historic achievement, Arohan Financial Services Limited, part of the Aavishkaar Group, is pleased to announce that it has been ranked 35th among Top 100 India’s Best Companies to Work For 2024 by the Great Place to Work®️ Institute. Arohan, among the leading NBFC-MFIs in the country and the largest based out of East India has not just ranked 35th among India’s Best Companies to Work For in India, 2024 but features among the Top 25 Best Companies to work for in the BFSI sector and the coveted Best in the Microfinance industry. This is a milestone leap from the year 2021 rank of 65th and year 2020 rank of 86th across all companies and sectors in India.

The recognition and certificate were awarded to Mr. Manoj Nambiar, Managing Director, Ms. Kanchan Banerjee, Head of HR, T&D, Admin and CSR, and Ms. Ranjeeta Gupta, Head of Corporate HR at an event held in Mumbai on June 19, 2024.

Commenting on the prestigious recognition, Mr. Manoj Nambiar said, “We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition. Ours is an employee-intensive business and they make all the difference in our interaction with our borrowers. We have truly turned a new leaf in our journey of employee satisfaction and this continuous improvement is a golden testimony of Arohan’s unfaltering focus on providing employees with an environment of positivity, purpose, wellbeing, trust and capability building. Our improved ranking among India’s Best Companies to Work for 2024 is an impetus for us, and will further help us attract the right talent as the organisation continues its journey to empower and inspire millions of people across the BoP segment.”

According to the recognition, the organisation has inspired trust among its people, instilling pride in them, creating an environment that promotes camaraderie, and delivering a great workplace experience for all its employees – that make the organisation one of India’s Best Companies to Work For.

25th June 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  In a Media Conclave organized by the Madhav Foundation at the Constitution Club of India, the well-known Media Strategist and founder of global public relations and communication firm Vigor Media Worldwide, Mr Nikhil Singhal was honored for his exemplary work in the field of ‘Public Relation and Media Communication’. Mr Singhal who is also a President of Noida High Rise Federation 100X (NHRF) is the talk of the town these days for his initiatives towards infrastructure improvement and advocating residents’ needs in the high-rise society of Noida.

The award was presented to him by renowned TV journalist Ms Chandni Dhawan who is also Founder & President of Madhav Foundation. Led by Ms Dhawan and supported by Mr Mohit Dhawan, VP- Madhav Foundation, the NGO is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged through the Foundation’s charitable activities in healthcare, social welfare and education sectors.

The Chief Guest for the event was ‘Honourable Dr Premchand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan’ accompanied by notable guests such as ‘Mr. Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Bharat 24 and CMD, First India News,’ ‘Mr. Brajesh Mishra, Editor-in-Chief, Bharat Samachar,’ ‘IPS Babloo Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police at the Police Commissionerate of Gautam Budh Nagar’ and ‘Mr. Praveen Sharma, Director of Djewels House, Karol Bagh, New Delhi’.

While receiving the esteemed award in the presence of the who’s who of the city and leading media personalities, Nikhil Singhal said, “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the honour bestowed upon me at this ceremony. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and innovation in the media and public relations industry.” He also thanked Dr Vijay Kishore Bansal, Chief Patron of the Madhav Foundation and Mr Gaurav Dhawan, President of the Mannatien Foundation for the honour.

Meanwhile, Mr Singhal also led a session at the conclave discussing the differences between traditional media and social media. Commenting on the topic he observed, “There are no barriers in social media which allows open communication among all. Traditional media, on the other hand, operates in a highly organized manner. It often restricts the flow of interaction due to its limitations. Both platforms, however, have their unique strengths and challenges, and so, understanding all these is crucial for an effective media strategy.”

Popular singer Salma Agha also performed at the event, leaving the viewers in large numbers spellbound. The occasion saw participation from veteran TV journalists including Deepse Dwivedi, Anchor-cum-Producer, India News Noida; Sabina Tamang Deshmukh, Senior News Anchor, News 18; Charul Sharma, Senior Anchor, News India; and Srasti Shukla, Producer, Aaj Tak International.

Additional Guests of Honour included Mr. Kuldeep Thakur, Director of SKM Group; and Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder and President of the Global Trade & Technology Council of India.

The well-attended conclave, which featured panel discussions on various pressing issues related to the media, also saw participation from viewers. The speakers engaged in a brainstorming session about the current state and direction of the media, and discussions were held comparing traditional media and social media. The panelists shared their views on the much-needed reforms in the media. They also discussed emerging trends and changes in the industry.

25th June 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Samudrika & Bhavya from IBDP 1 represented Oakridge International School, Bengaluru, at the NAE – UNICEF Summit in Houston, Texas, from June 12 to 19, 2024. The summit aims to unite students across the NAE family of schools in 33 countries to foster global connections while enhancing their youth advocacy knowledge and skills.

Learning about UNCRC and the importance of the Child-Friendly Cities Initiatives were the highlights of Day 1.

On Day 2, the learners explored the power of data and learning to harness data as system thinkers. They also visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Day 3 of the NAE-UNICEF Summit was about advocacy, and learners presented their capstone projects and strategies to address problem statements most relevant to their contexts.

On Day 4, the learners visited British International School, Houston, and learned about “Food for Friends.” This community garden, in collaboration with a local retirement community, harvests fresh vegetables to tackle food insecurity in Houston.

Throughout the trip, Bhavya & Samudrika participated in workshops focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, inclusive leadership practices, change implementation and management, and data literacy.

By the end of the summit, all the participants were equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to drive sustainable and impactful change in their home communities. Ms. Fiona, the CAS Coordinator from the Hyderabad campus, summed up the experience, “This summit is a powerful reminder that collaboration is key to creating positive change. By learning from and inspiring each other, these young leaders are building a brighter future together.”