Archives July 2024

29th July 2024  Andhra Pradesh, India Signify the world leader in lighting, has illuminated 61 tribal and marginal villages in Parvathipuram Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh, with energy-efficient LED street lighting to enhance the safety of local citizens. The project was executed in partnership with a grassroots NGO, Jana Kalyana Samakhya as part of the company’s ‘Har Gaon Roshan’ CSR program, which focuses on sustainable rural development and women’s safety across India.

The project is contributing to enhancing the safety and security of the local community, allowing them to conduct regular meetings to discuss their issues. The illuminated streets have reduced the risk of human-wildlife conflict cases, providing more time for economic & livelihood activities, allowing children to do more outdoor activities, and enhancing women’s safety.

The initiative has brought about a favorable transformation for more than 16,500 villagers and over 3,900 households with over 700 high-quality energy-efficient outdoor streetlights.

Commenting on the project, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India said, “Our CSR strategy and initiatives resonate with our brand purpose which is to unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We are strongly committed to our CSR initiatives and our vision for developing underprivileged diverse communities. We are proud to have partnered with Jana Kalyana Samakhya on this project, helping improve lives in the tribal villages of Andhra Pradesh.”

“Working with Signify aligns with our greater goals and together we have impacted the lives of people living in these tribal villages, providing them with access to clean and energy-efficient street lighting solutions. We appreciate Signify’s efforts towards enhancing the safety of the local people,” said Mr. Nidhil Varghese, CEO Jana Kalyana Samakhya.

This project is set to leverage technology and innovation for isolated communities by providing essential services such as lighting solutions to brighten the path to a brighter future.

29th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Amogh, a charitable foundation empowering young adults with special needs, is organizing ‘Sur Samvaad’- a musical evening to commemorate World Autism Month. The event will take place from 4 PM onwards on April 19, 2024, Friday, at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur, Bengaluru. The event will begin with an awareness interaction on Autism Spectrum led by Ms. Hema Jayaram, Co-founder, WeCAN- Autism Center. Classical singer Smt. Kruthi Vittal will be performing an immersive music concert, accompanied by Shri. Vittal Rangan on the violin and Shri. B S Prashanth on the mridangam. Those interested in attending the event can book their seats by visiting amoghtrust.com/event/autism-awareness-month/.

‘Sur Samvaad’ is set to attract music enthusiasts from across the city. Smt. Kruthi Vittal, who has showcased her exceptional talent in Indian Classical music on esteemed stages worldwide, will take center stage at the concert. Shri. Vittal Rangan, an acclaimed violinist with a decade-long music career will be on the violin and Shri. B S Prashanth, who has performed with renowned artists in musical concerts, will be on the mridangam.

This event is organized by Amogh, a charitable foundation aiming to provide appropriate support to different segments of society, especially in areas of dignified living, life skills, and work skills acquisition. World Autism Month focuses on increased understanding and acceptance of people with autism by fostering worldwide support and highlighting the contributions of individuals with autism. Amogh is marking this occasion by raising awareness on the importance of empowering people with autism.

Amogh was founded in 2012 by Ms. Jayashree Vaitheeswaran, Ms. Akhila Krishnamurthy, and Mr. Krishnamurthy M A.

Established as a result of the founders’ deep commitment to empowering people with special needs, Amogh strives to provide an enabling environment to different segments with the goal of helping them fulfill their aspirations.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jayashree Vaitheeswaran, Co-Founder & Managing Trustee, Amogh said, “Amogh is built on the premise that every human being dreams of a meaningful life and aspires for an environment that encourages each one to pursue one’s personal vision, gain appreciation, and achieve recognition. With Amogh, every day is new, and every day is an enriching experience. Since its inception, Amogh has come a long way in enabling a positive environment for people with special needs and we are committed to pursuing our mission with the same passion in the years to come. We are delighted to be organizing ‘Sur Samvaad’- an evening combining awareness on Autism and a grand musical concert.”

29th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker that operates in the two and three-wheeler segments – is proud to announce its achievements in the J.D. Power 2024 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study. The study results underscore TVSM’s commitment to delivering exceptional product quality.

K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “Securing the top position across multiple product segments demonstrates the customer’s confidence in our products. Ownership experience, product quality, cutting edge technology, aesthetics and appeal leading to customer delight are subjects of immense focus for us. My sincere appreciation for our dealer partners for the efforts they put in on a daily basis. My congratulations and thanks to the TVS Motor team and our supplier partners. Above all, we remain indebted to our customers for their trust and encouragement.”

India IQS Awards

In the Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study (IQS), which evaluates the quality of two-wheelers within the first six months of ownership, several models from the company have emerged as top-performers.

• TVS Jupiter 125 is the #1 Executive Scooter in Initial Quality.
• It is also the #2 Economy Scooter in Initial Quality.
• TVS Radeon is the #1 Economy Motorcycle in Initial Quality.
• TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is the #1 Premium Motorcycle in Initial Quality.
• TVS Raider is the #2 Executive Motorcycle in Initial Quality.

India APEAL Awards

The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence is also demonstrated through its outstanding performance in the J.D. Power 2024 India Two-Wheeler APEAL Study, earning four out of the five awards presented.

• TVS Jupiter is the most Appealing Economy Scooter.
• TVS Radeon is the most Appealing Economy Motorcycle.
• TVS Raider is the most Appealing Executive Motorcycle.
• TVS Apache RTR 2V is the most Appealing Premium Motorcycle.
• TVS NTORQ is the second most Appealing Executive Scooter.

TVS Motor has established itself as an industry leader, with its products capturing four out of five segment awards. It is now the world’s third most valued company by market cap and the world’s fourth largest two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer.

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, AI-driven analytics, and advisory services. J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. With the latest results, TVS Motor Company has now secured 7 J.D. Power model awards further demonstrating its reputation in the industry.

29th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Convergent Finance LLP announces the appointment of Sunil Pande as an Operating Partner. Sunil is a global business leader with over 20 years of experience in Food & Beverage and Retail industries across the US, China, India, Middle East, and Latin America. He was previously part of senior leadership teams at top Food, Beverage, Retail, and CPG companies like Tyson Foods, Walmart and The Wonderful Company where he led Business Transformation, New Market Development and Growth Strategies. Most recently, Sunil served as a Strategic Advisor and Operating Partner with a US-based private equity group focused on the Consumer and Retail sectors.

Sunil has also managed and advised multi-billion dollar businesses on growth and investment initiatives working with Private Equity funds, Investment Banks, and Strategy Consulting firms. At Convergent, Sunil will help identify global investment opportunities to further build our Food and Beverage investment portfolio.

Harsha Raghavan, Managing Partner at Convergent, stated, “We are excited to welcome Sunil Pande as Operating Partner. We see tremendous opportunities to consolidate and create a platform play in the Food and Beverage industry across India and the Middle East. We look forward to leveraging Sunil’s experience in operating, scaling, and turning around businesses in this space.”

Sunil Pande commented, “Harsha Raghavan and the Convergent team have created a unique blend of Investing and Operating platform with world-class expertise that aligns very well with my outlook. Convergent’s focus on long-term value creation to drive sustainable growth and active operational involvement with their portfolio companies has built a solid foundation for their continued success. I look forward to collaborating with the Convergent team to identify and invest in relevant and strategic business opportunities across Food & Beverage, Consumer and Retail sectors and then working with the portfolio companies Management Teams’ to improve and grow their businesses.”

29th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  RAILOFY, a leading innovator in train travel solutions, is excited to announce the latest enhancement to its WhatsApp Bot: live train running status check. Through this, passengers can now check the live status of their train directly through RAILOFY’s WhatsApp Bot, without the hassle of visiting other sites.

Imagine this: you’re on your way to the station, eagerly anticipating your train arrival. Instead of worrying about delays or changes, or waiting for websites to load, you simply send your PNR number to RAILOFY’s WhatsApp number 9881193322. Within seconds, you receive a friendly message back, sharing the live status of your train. It’s like having a travel companion right in your pocket, keeping you informed and reassured every step of the way.

“Our aim at RAILOFY is to provide passengers with seamless travel experiences, and the addition of train status checking to our WhatsApp Bot is a significant step in that direction,” said Hrishabh Sanghvi, Founder at RAILOFY.

In addition to checking train status, RAILOFY’s WhatsApp Bot offers a range of other essential services, from ordering delicious meals to booking tickets and more. RAILOFY’s WhatsApp Bot is a one-stop companion for all railway travel needs. This comprehensive suite of features saves time, reduces hassle, and ensures a smooth travel experience for passengers.

RAILOFY’s commitment to making train travel seamless extends beyond their WhatsApp Bot. The recent launch of Confirm Travel Guarantee, a warranty service that assists users in converting their waitlisted or RAC tickets to confirmed, provides peace of mind and eliminates the uncertainty of travel plans.

29th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Bureau, a pioneering fraud and identity decisioning platform, has introduced ‘Money Mule Score,’ a cutting-edge solution that empowers financial institutions, NBFCs, and fintech companies to proactively detect potential money mules during user onboarding. The solution provides a holistic risk assessment, which goes beyond traditional KYC processes to detect and prevent mule accounts, thereby protecting businesses and their customers.

Money mule fraud has become a critical threat to global financial security. As per NASDAQ’s Global Financial Crime Report 2024, among anti-financial crime professionals surveyed, 47% listed money mule activity as a major concern, placing it second only to real-time payment fraud. The traditional KYC-AML processes prove ineffective, as they are static, creating gaps that sophisticated criminals can exploit.

Money Mule Score is built on the Bureau’s proprietary Link Analysis that utilizes advanced machine learning and analytics to assess users’ risk indicators, beyond the traditional KYC process. It incorporates the Bureau’s extensive domain expertise across email, phone, social media, and device intelligence which analyses users’ legitimacy through device fingerprints, behavioral patterns, and historical data, and flagging potential high-risk users right at the onboarding stage. The solution integrates seamlessly into companies’ existing onboarding processes, ensuring a smooth experience for legitimate users.

Ranjan R Reddy, Founder & CEO, Bureau – “Fraud, and online financial crime is a growing menace in India, which puts trust between digital platforms, their customers, and regulators in jeopardy. Money mule accounts and activity is the fastest growing fraud trend, and Bureau is uniquely placed to help with our proprietary technology, data, and insights. Our money mule score identifies potential mule accounts in real-time at onboarding, as well as detect existing accounts and activity that are suspicious. We have seen great success in deploying industry specific machine learning models, and link analysis that have led to detecting over 500k mule accounts, protecting over $100m of financial activity.”

“Bureau’s Money mule score is a significant step towards eliminating cyber fraud, and enabling safe and secure financial access.”

Bureau’s partnership with a leading Indian bank for the deployment of Money Mule Score led to a 60% uplift in money mule detection as compared to the bank’s existing KYC process. These early mule detections enabled the bank to prevent potential fraud losses of over $43 million within the first six months of using the solution.

With this success, Bureau has officially launched a solution for companies across the spectrum of digital banking, to detect and block potential money mules before they can cause damage. Financial services providers are encouraged to contact Bureau for a demo to learn how Money Mule Score can bolster their fraud prevention strategies.

29th July 2024  Gurugram, Haryana, India  In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial real estate, Elan Malls have emerged as the epitome of luxury, convenience, and comprehensive urban living. The flagship projects, Elan Mercado and Elan Town Centre have redefined the concept of a shopping destination by seamlessly blending retail, top-notch food experiences, luxury service apartments, and world-class entertainment facilities. These developments go beyond the conventional retail experience, transforming into vibrant hubs that cater to various needs and desires, making them the perfect one-stop destinations for families, professionals, and leisure seekers alike.

Elan Mercado – Where Luxury Meets Convenience

Nestled in the heart of New Gurugram in Sector 80, Elan Mercado stands tall as a modern fusion of retail, high-street retail, luxury service apartments, and a state-of-the-art PVR Multiplex. Elan Mercado is the go-to food destination on NH8. The strategic location and open accessibility to Delhi, Jaipur, and main Gurugram make it a prime spot for top global brands seeking a hospitality and retail haven. The key features and amenities of Elan Mercado make it a standout in the commercial real estate sector. Premium retail shops showcase a curated selection of top-tier brands, while the salubrious food court invites patrons to savour a diverse range of culinary delights.

Meticulously planned service apartments provide a luxurious stay option for those looking for a blend of comfort and sophistication. The 5 silver screens multiplex adds an entertainment quotient, offering the latest in cinematic experiences. Fine dining restaurants, multi-cuisine outlets, and cafes create a gastronomic haven within the premises. What sets Elan Mercado apart is its commitment to offering a holistic experience. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a destination where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of luxury, entertainment, and indulgence. The fusion of retail, dining, and entertainment under one roof makes it a convenient and comprehensive choice for those seeking an all-encompassing urban lifestyle.

Elan Town Centre – The Elegant Retail Gateway

As the most sought-after commercial property in Gurgaon, Elan Town Centre at Sector 67, main Sohna Road, exemplifies the concept of high-street retail with double-height shops, a plush food court, and a PVR Multiplex. Surrounded by luxury residential townships, IT parks, SEZs, international schools, and universities along the main Sohna Road, it caters to families and business professionals alike. The easy access from the Golf Course Extension Road, NPR, and SPR positions it as a preferred investment option.

Elan Town Centre’s features and amenities further enhance its appeal. Double-height retail shops provide a unique shopping experience, while the salubrious food court offers a variety of culinary options. The 4 silver screen multiplex showcases the latest movies, while the premium flea market adds a touch of uniqueness to the overall shopping experience. Fine dining restaurants and a vibrant mix of retail outlets create an environment that resonates with a diverse audience. In all, Elan Town Centre seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of the community it serves.

A One-Stop Destination – All Customer Needs Fulfilled Under One Roof

What makes Elan Malls truly stand out is its ability to serve as a one-stop destination for a plethora of needs and desires. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, a gourmet dining experience, or the latest blockbuster, Elan Mercado and Elan Town Centre have it all. The comprehensive nature of these luxury malls eliminates the need for patrons to hop between various locations, providing a convenient and time-efficient solution for their diverse requirements.

For families, Elan Malls offers the perfect weekend getaway. With luxury service apartments, fine dining options, and a variety of entertainment choices, families can create memorable experiences without leaving the premises. Also, professionals working in the vicinity find a haven where they can seamlessly transition from work to leisure.

Looking towards bright future horizons, Elan Malls have reshaped the shopping, food, and entertainment experiences in the Delhi NCR region. Elan Mercado and Elan Town Centre showcase the future of commercial real estate, a future where luxury, convenience, and comprehensiveness come together to create a one-stop destination and a weekend getaway for all. As these developments continue to evolve, they set a benchmark for the industry, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of luxury malls in shaping the urban landscape.

29th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, has been appraised at Level 3 of ISACA’s Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). The company has achieved appraisal at a Maturity Level 3 for both CMMI-DEV (for development) and CMMI-SVC (service delivery).

An appraisal at maturity level 3 indicates that Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited is performing at a “defined” level. At this level, processes are well characterized and understood and are described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods.

The organization’s set of standard processes, which is the basis for Maturity Level 3, is established and improved over time. This translates to a systematic approach to creating outstanding products and services.

Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited appraised at Maturity Level 3 of CMMI translates to organization-wide standards that guide projects, programs, and portfolios. With this certification, Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited can continue to provide quality services, reduce overall costs, increase efficiency, and provide greater customer satisfaction.

29th July 2024  Delhi, India  The picturesque state of Punjab is witnessing a remarkable surge in its real estate sector, fueled largely by a significant influx of investments from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Financial inflows into the state’s property market have reached unprecedented levels, marking a new era of growth and development for the region.

Simplified Taxes and indexation Benefits are Prompting NRIs to invest more in real estate back home. Prominent real estate developers in Punjab are upbeat about this flourishing trend, highlighting the immense potential and opportunities it brings. Here’s what they had to say:

Mr. Prateek Mittal, Executive Director, Sushma Group:

“Our company has seen a substantial increase in interest from NRIs, particularly in our luxury residential projects. The demand for premium homes with modern amenities is at an all-time high, We’re seeing more inquiries than ever for Holiday homes, Today’s buyer is seeking expansive living areas bathed in natural light, they are not after land but a certain lifestyle and we are committed to delivering exceptional living spaces that meet the discerning tastes of our NRI clientele.”

Mr. Mukul Bansal, Managing Director, Motiaz:

“Punjab’s real estate market is experiencing rejuvenation, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of NRIs. We have witnessed a surge in investments in both residential and commercial properties. According to recent reports, NRI residential sales have increased from 11 per cent to 15 per cent in a short span, a sign of growing confidence in India’s real estate market. The state’s strategic location and growing infrastructure make it an attractive destination for property buyers.”

Mr. Piyush Kansal, Executive Director, Royale Estate Group:

“The NRI community’s trust in Punjab’s real estate market is evident through their substantial investments. There’s a surge in NRI investment across our projects. We are focused on creating value-driven projects that resonate with their aspirations. Our upcoming mixed-use development has garnered significant interest from NRIs looking for lucrative investment opportunities. “

Mr. Tejpreet Singh, Managing Director, Gillco:

“The landscape of Punjab’s real estate is evolving, driven by the aspirations of NRIs seeking a slice of their homeland. NRI investments in Indian real estate have surged to a record high of $8.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. Our integrated townships and commercial projects have been met with great enthusiasm from NRIs, who see Punjab as a thriving hub for growth. Our investors have witnessed returns as high as 30% on their investments with Gillco Group. We are committed to shaping the future of Punjab’s real estate sector.”

With Punjab’s real estate market poised for exponential growth, developers are gearing up to meet the demand for premium properties, innovative designs, and world-class amenities. The infusion of NRI investments promises to redefine the skyline of Punjab, creating vibrant urban spaces and luxurious living experiences for residents and investors alike.

As the state embarks on this exciting journey of development, one thing remains clear—the partnership between NRIs and Punjab’s real estate developers is set to script a success story that resonates far and wide.

29th July 2024  Calicut, Kerala, India  In a move signaling a generational shift in leadership and a commitment to empowering women in the business world, Nima Sulaiman, daughter of HiLITE Group Chairman P. Sulaiman, has been welcomed onto the board of directors with a stunning gesture—a Porsche car worth INR 3 crore.

At just 18, Nima began her journey with HiLITE Group as a customer service trainee at Hug a Mug Cafe. From there, she transitioned to management roles, showcasing her talent and dedication. With a B.Sc in Economics from the University of London in Singapore, Nima brings a unique blend of academic prowess and practical experience to her new position.

As the Director of HiLITE Urban, a subsidiary of HiLITE Group, Nima is poised to continue the company’s legacy of excellence in construction and development. With a focus on providing quality living spaces and international standards in India, HiLITE Group has been instrumental in transforming Kozhikode city with its innovative projects that include premium residential buildings, ultra-modern business parks, state-of-the-art malls and world-class entertainment theaters.

Group Chairman P. Sulaiman expressed his sentiments regarding his daughter’s recent appointment within the Group, stating, “I am immensely proud of Nima’s accomplishments and firmly believe that she is capable to take on greater responsiblities. HiLITE Group has always shed light on the significance of acknowledging and empowering women in leadership positions.” He further emphasized that, “the emotional intelligence that women bring to the table is pivotal for fostering effective leadership and establishing trust.”

Nima, in turn, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her eagerness to contribute to the group’s success. “Inspired by my experiences visiting renowned malls worldwide, I strive to enrich the atmosphere of HiLITE malls and other projects, infusing them with vibrancy and youthfulness,” Nima said.

The appointment of Nima Sulaiman to the board of directors represents a significant milestone for HiLITE Group and a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the business world. As Nima takes on her new role, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for young women entrepreneurs in South India and beyond.