Archives September 2024

Noida, September 25, 2024 – Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida successfully organized a two-day, dental, eye, and health check–up camp on September 24 and 25. The camp was organized by IMS Law College, with the support of Hon’ble Director General Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan, Head of Department Prof. Dr. Bhavesh Gupta and Program Coordinator Assistant Prof. Govind Goyal, to promote health and wellness among students and faculty.

Participants were provided with a wide range of health screenings, including cholesterol, CBC, blood sugar, BP, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) tests, as well as dental and eye assessments. The camp saw an enthusiastic turnout, with a total of 480 tests conducted over the two days.

“At IMS Noida, we believe that the well–being of our students and faculty is paramount. This health camp is a reflection of our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. By partnering with leading healthcare providers, we are ensuring that our community has access to essential health services and is empowered to prioritize their health. I am proud of the initiative taken by our team and the overwhelming participation it received,” said Prof. Dr. Vikas Dhawan, Director General, IMS Noida.

Adding a touch of excitement to the event, the Mr.& Miss Whistle Smile Contest was organized, providing a fun and engaging competition for students. Participants were judged based on the brightness of their smiles and their oral health, adding an entertaining element to the health camp. The contest not only created a lively atmosphere but also helped raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and dental care. By blending fun with education, the competition encouraged students to take their dental health seriously, while enjoying the camaraderie and friendly competition among their peers, and further motivating participants to actively care for their smiles.

IMS Noida extends its sincere gratitude to Clove Dental, Max Hospital, and Sharp Sight for their invaluable collaboration in making the health camp a success. Their expertise in dental, medical, and eye care ensured comprehensive check-ups and screenings for all participants. Clove Dental provided thorough oral health assessments, Max Hospital conducted key health tests like cholesterol and blood sugar, while Sharp Sight offered detailed eye evaluations. Their collective efforts significantly contributed to the success of the event, reinforcing IMS Noida’s commitment to student and faculty well–being.

New Delhi, September 25, 2024: Legrand India, a global leader in electrical and digital building infrastructure solutions, has successfully launched a series of innovative activities aimed at maximizing engagement during the festive period across India. The initiatives focused on amplifying the launch of two new products, the Desktop Power Center and the Dizly Distribution Board, leveraging the festive season to enhance market presence.

As part of this campaign, Legrand has initiated an engaging retail activity named ‘Legrand Ke Superstars,’ targeting retailers in 50 cities, starting with Delhi. This initiative will take place through Navratri onwards until Diwali and aims to build awareness of the Lyncus range, the Dizly Distribution Board, and the Desktop Power Center, reinforcing Legrand’s commitment to innovative solutions in electrical infrastructure.

Rath Yatra Celebration in Puri
To ensure a seamless and worry-free experience for travellers during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Legrand installed 10 Allzy-powered charging stations at the Puri railway station and around the Mela booking areas in July this year. These stations allowed travellers to stay connected with their loved ones and capture special Rath Yatra moments, showcasing the versatility of Allzy, the all-rounder switch.

Ganesh Chaturthi Installation in Mumbai
In Mumbai, Legrand created a unique and interactive experience at the iconic Lalbaug Ganesh Pandal and the electrical market at Lohar Chawl. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with an innovative display featuring the Kamaal Ka Switch – Lyncus, a light and shadow art installation at Lalbaug Cha Raja pandal, captivating devotees as they waited in line for darshan.

Onam Celebrations in Kerala
Legrand celebrated the spirit of Onam in retail stores across Trivandrum, Kottayam, Calicut, Thrissur, and Kochi by engaging with over 300 people across more than 90 counters. The festivities included the vibrant presence of Mahabali and Chenda Melam to wish the retailers and electricians in a traditional manner by expressing gratitude through special gifts and local delicacies. The activity entailed showcasing the new product launches – Dizly Distribution Board and Desktop Power Center along with the Kamaal Ka Switch, Lyncus range.

These festive activities not only enhanced brand visibility but also reinforced Legrand’s commitment to providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian market. As the company continues to expand its footprint, these engagements exemplify its dedication to fostering strong relationships with both retailers and customers.

Mr. Sameer Saxena, Director of Marketing, Group Legrand India, stated, “As we embraced the festive spirit, our activities reflected Legrand’s commitment to innovation and connection. The introduction of our Desktop Power Center and Dizly Distribution Board, alongside initiatives like ‘Legrand Ke Superstars,’ allowed us to engage meaningfully with our retail partners and customers. By enhancing their experiences during significant festivals, we not only showcased our cutting-edge solutions but also built lasting relationships within the community. We were excited to be part of these celebrations and looked forward to the continued growth of our brand in India.”

Hyderabad, September 25, 2024-The city will be the host to the largest lactation management and breast milk banking conference in Hyderabad on the 28th and 29th of September at Hotel Marigold, Hyderabad. Besides Marigold, the conferences will be held in different locations in the city.

Called as 4th International Conference, South Asian LAMBCON 2024 will have 500, including 20 international delegates from Sri Lanka, Nepal, East Timor and the Philippines attending.

Shri Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Commission; Shri R.V. Karnan, Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare, MD, National Health Mission; Dr. Sridhar Prahlad Ryavanki, Health Specialist, UNICEF Field Office for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana; Dr Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, Chief Field Officer, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana will grace the inaugural on 28th September.

The conference will feature 30+ sessions, with topics ranging from Basic Lactation Management, Advanced Lactation Management, to Human Milk Banking.

Sushena Health Foundation, in partnership with Dhaatri Mothers’ Milk Bank and supported by several esteemed organizations including the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), National Neonatology Forum (NNF), Rishihood University (RU), National Neonatology Forum – Telangana State Chapter (NNF-TS), UNICEF, and the Pediatrics Academy of Telangana is organising the 4th International Conference, South Asian LAMBCON 2024.

41.8% of babies in Telangana are breastfed early, while in India, only 54% of babies experience early breastfeeding. Furthermore, 90% of infant deaths can be prevented using the simple and accessible solution of breastfeeding and mothers’ milk banking. These statistics highlight that even the well-educated sections of our population are not fully aware of breastfeeding and lactation management, said Dr Santosh Kumar, Kraleti, Member National Medical Commission, Founder and General Secretary, Sushena Health Foundation while addressing a press conference on Wednesday at Press Club.

Sushena Health Foundation to open India’s first Colostrum Milk Bank at Hyderabad. Colostrum is the first form of breastmilk that is released by the mammary glands after giving birth, he added.

Research has shown that a mother’s milk is rich in nutrition and serves as the best possible vaccination against the myriad diseases that can be contracted in the years following infancy added Dr K Durgbhavani, Senior Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Vice President of Sushena Health Foundation.

Sushena Health Foundation is leading the country’s efforts to increase the percentage of breastfed babies to 90% in the next five years and to reduce the infant mortality rate from the current 29.1 deaths per 1,000 live births to near zero. In the short span of seven years since its inception, Sushena Health has successfully established and is operating multiple milk banks across the country. The organization leads the operations in providing supplemental nutrition to lactating mothers in government healthcare facilities and offers consultancy to private hospitals on lactation management.

LAMBCON 2024 is the venue to learn more about the on-ground impact of Sushena Health Foundation’s efforts so far and to understand how everyone can take part in the immense endeavour of making India a leader in breastfeeding and lactation management. The conference is open to all and is primarily aimed at practicing pediatricians, neonatologists, gynaecologists, lactation consultants, lactation counsellors, and nurses. Participants will have the opportunity to significantly enhance their knowledge and understanding of lactation management.

Among the acclaimed dignitaries gracing the occasion are Dr Arun K. Singh, Head of the Department of Neonatology, AIIMS Jodhpur, National Advisor, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, MoHFW; Founders and Advisors of LAMBCON, Shri Dr Santhosh Kumar Kraleti, Member, National Medical Commission, Founder & General Secretary, Sushena Health Foundation; Dr. Srinivas Murki, Chief Consultant Neonatologist, DM Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Fernandez Hospital, Senior Neonatologist, Paramitha Hospital, Hyderabad; Dr. Kalavalapalli Durga Bhavani, Pediatrician, Director & Co-founder, Institute of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Adiposity (IDEA) Clinics, India; and the LAMBCON Organizing Secretary, Dr. Nitasha Bagga, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Rainbow Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr Swapna Lingaladinne, Associate Professor, Neonatologist, Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad.

New Delhi – September 25, 2024 – Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, today released its Q2 2024 Global Workplace Learning Index. This quarterly report provides insights into which technical and professional skills are growing in demand to help organizations stay ahead of the competition worldwide.

The latest 2024 Q2 Skills Index reveals a significant surge in demand for technological and professional skills among Indian learners in Q2 when compared to Q1. The following percentages reflect the highest increases in course consumption in India during Q2:

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) – 94%
GitHub – 81%
English Grammar – 80%
Problem Solving – 56%
System Design Interview – 41%

These findings indicate a strong focus on developing skills in design, technology, communication, critical thinking, and system architecture. Notably, English Grammar and problem-solving are in high demand globally, as they enhance operational efficacy and interpersonal communication, making them essential skills across all regions and industries. The Q2 Index highlights the evolving needs of the Indian workforce and the importance of upskilling to remain competitive in the job market.

Vinay Pradhan, Country Manager & Senior Director, Udemy India, said, “With nearly 15 million learners in India, we are witnessing a growing impetus on moving towards a skills-based economy, aligning with the government’s mission to create a future-ready workforce. The surge in demand for emerging skills like CATIA, GitHub, System Design, English Grammar, and Problem Solving highlights the growing need for both technical and professional skills. CATIA, in particular, will aid in upskilling not just the tech sector but also the manufacturing workforce, which is vital as India strives to become a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. Investing in targeted learning and development, especially in skills like CATIA, is crucial to unlocking the full potential of our workforce and driving economic growth.”

“Udemy’s research shows that most organizations have begun implementing skills-based processes, but employees and leaders still need help knowing which skills to focus on first,” said Greg Brown, President and CEO of Udemy. Soft skills, like teamwork and problem-solving, are critical to enabling the success of key tech trends like AI, which have the potential to shift the trajectory of many industries, so it’s encouraging to see these themes trending in this quarter’s Index.”

“With technology like Generative AI and the shift to hybrid work models, constant change is all around us. Adapting to this change can be tough, but it’s really about understanding and guiding how people think and behave,” says Sivakami S, a Udemy instructor and change management expert. “All change is rooted in human behavior, making it crucial for leaders to draw insights from psychology and behavioral economics. By developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, leaders can build trust and motivation, guiding employees effectively through complex changes.”

To learn more about how organizations can partner with Udemy Business to upskill for the future, visit: business.udemy.com.

Methodology:

The Udemy Global Workplace Learning Index uses data from thousands of Udemy Business customers worldwide. Location data is based on the country associated with the company. The skills data compares the consumption of courses in the Udemy Business collection from Q1 2024 to Q2 2024. Courses are associated with one or more topics, with a maximum of five topics per course. The trending skills that you see in the report are based on these topics. If a course covers multiple topics, consumption minutes are divided equally across all topics associated with the course.

India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have rapidly developed from quiet regions into booming urban centres during the past ten years, adding greatly to the nation’s prosperity. These smaller towns have begun to attract investors, businesses, and residents alike as the cost of living in big cities soars and infrastructure and connections improve. This shift opens up a fresh chapter in the nation’s development and has major implications for society and economic activity.

The increasing job possibilities that Tier 2 and 3 cities provide are one of the main drivers of their development. Many businesses have expanded to look beyond Tier 1 cities’ overcrowded markets due to the development of the digital economy and the trend toward autonomy. These smaller towns offer lower operating costs and a growing skill pool, making them a fruitful place for businesses of all kinds. Their growing importance in the national economy is demonstrated by the emergence of IT parks, industrial zones, and special economic zones in cities like Faridabad, Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Indore.

Furthermore, the government’s concentration on initiatives like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart Cities Mission has promoted the creation of infrastructure in these areas. These towns are now more favorable to businesses because of better roads, improved transportation options, and reliable utilities, which have attracted companies and created employment.

Tier 2 and 3 cities offer an affordable alternative without compromising quality of life as Tier 1 cities become increasingly costly. For example, housing has become much more accessible, making having an affordable goal for the middle class achievable. These cities appeal to both young professionals and their families owing to their reasonable prices for daily expenditures, medical care, and education.

In addition, the gap between these cities and their Tier 1 equivalents has decreased due to the rise of modern amenities and ways of life in these areas. The abundance of commercial places, recreational areas of greatest need, outstanding educational institutions, and medical facilities all contribute to a happier and healthier way of life for residents.

Another important variable affecting their growth is the migration of talent from Tier 1 cities to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. As job opportunities rise and living conditions improve, a number of professionals are choosing to migrate to smaller cities or return to their hometowns to have a better work-life balance. Cities profit from an increase in skilled workers, and professionals gain from a less stressful schedule and being closer to family. This reverse brain drain is beneficial for both parties concerned.

These cities’ educational facilities are also becoming more effective, which leads to an uninterrupted influx of skilled graduates who would rather stay in their hometowns than move to bigger cities. Companies seeking to grow in these locations will find this local abilities base extremely valuable, contributing to additional economic growth.

The growth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has greatly assisted the housing sector. As demand for these types of property increases, real estate developers are making major investments in the residential and commercial property sectors. As a consequence, modern workplaces, shopping malls, and housing developments have been built, entirely altering the urban setting of these cities.

Mohit Goel, Managing Director Omaxe Ltd said, “A key component affecting the country’s overall growth and economic growth in India is the real estate sector. Tier 2 and 3 cities gradually change into urban centers as urbanization picks up speed, pushing the real estate story. Due to increased connectivity and improved facilities, integrated growth enhances the quality of life for companies and residents in places like Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Vrindavan, Indore and many more. Property values in many cities have risen as a result of this boom, significantly boosting the housing sector. Additionally, these cities are becoming desirable places to invest in real estate because of government programs like the Smart City Mission. As developers, we are excited to contribute to the progress of tier 2 and tier 3 cities, fulfilling their potential.”

Romi Garg, Director, Pebble Downtown Mall said, “Faridabad’s rapid growth as a Tier 2 city is evolving owing to its infrastructure and strategic connectivity to Delhi-NCR. The expansion of road networks, metro extensions, and upcoming projects like the Jewar airport are transforming the region into a premier real estate destination. This growth trajectory unveils significant opportunities for both residential and commercial development. Hence, we foresee promising real estate growth in the city and look forward to contributing to it in progress.”

Prateek Mittal, Executive Director of Sushma Group, says, “The real estate sector has witnessed a boom in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, especially after the recent government policies and announcements. The growth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has contributed substantially to the housing industry. With a rise in demand, real estate developers are making heavy investments in residential and commercial projects. The advent of modern workplaces, shopping malls, and housing complexes has changed the urban face of these cities beyond imagination.”

New Delhi – September 25, 2024 – Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL), a leading platform for transformative learning experiences, today announced a series of innovative features designed to make learning more intuitive, engaging, and impactful. These enhancements streamline the process for learners to earn new certifications, while also leveraging generative AI (GenAI) technologies to deliver a highly personalized and adaptive learning experience, accelerating the development of critical, in-demand skills.

“Skillsoft is at the forefront of delivering innovative talent development solutions, continually evolving to meet the dynamic skilling needs of businesses and learners,” said Apratim Purakayastha, General Manager, Talent Development Solutions, Skillsoft. “By integrating cutting-edge GenAI technologies with a best-in-class learning curriculum, these new enhancements bring a richer, more impactful learning experience to our customers, driving enhanced learner engagement, administrative efficiencies, and measurable organizational growth.”

Skillsoft streamlines the path to certification with new end-to-end management feature
Certifications bring significant benefits at the organizational and individual levels. According to Skillsoft’s 2024 C-Suite Perspectives Report, more than a third of executive-level respondents value the added skills that certifications bring at $20,000 or more per employee per year. Skillsoft’s most recent IT Skills & Salary Report also showed learners seeing improvements with quality of work (62%), work engagement (47%), and job performance (45%) after earning certifications.

Skillsoft’s new Certification Paths streamline and simplify the process for learners to discover, prepare, earn, and upload in-demand certifications from top providers including CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, HRCI, Prince2, and PMI, through a single, intuitive platform. Meanwhile, learning administrators, HR teams, and managers benefit from robust tracking features, enabling them to guide and chart team members’ progress, stay ahead of upcoming expirations and renewals, and efficiently manage vouchers.

“In today’s rapidly evolving enterprise landscape, technical certifications are key. But they can be difficult for administrators and learners to track and share,” says Gina Smith, PhD, Research Director for IDC’s IT Skills for Digital Business practice. “Skillsoft Certification Paths aim to tackle such issues by providing comprehensive certification management for administrators and a centralized hub for learners to access all of their certification needs.”

Skillsoft leverages GenAI to boost learner satisfaction and skill building outcomes
As organizations and learners grapple with rapid technological advancements, shifting industry demands, and widening skills gaps, businesses require more personalized, experiential, and scalable learning models. According to new research from Skillsoft, one-in-four workers say a lack of relevant training experiences is their biggest barrier to achieving skill-building goals.

New Delhi, 25th September 2024: STEP, in collaboration with Miranda House, Delhi University, announces “UnPollute – A Sustainability Conclave 2024“. Inspired by the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims for a prosperous and inclusive India by 2047, UnPollute 2024 will foster collaboration between women-led enterprises, government, and industry leaders. The platform offers a unique opportunity for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and investment, encouraging women to play a leading role in building a sustainable future.

Taking place on 30th September and 1st October 2024 it will bring together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and students in waste management, circular economy, climate technology, sustainability, and ESG practices. Women-led startups will present innovative solutions as solutions to critical sustainability challenges highlighting novel approaches in ESG, waste management, circular economy, and climate technology. There will also be mentorship sessions by distinguished leaders from the industry.

Workshops & panel discussions led by experts such as Mr. Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, and Ms. Arti Bhatnagar, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, DPIIT will address the intersection of sustainability, policy challenges, and women’s entrepreneurship, providing key insights to navigate the evolving landscape.

For this edition, UnPollute 2024 has partnered with India’s largest climate fund, Eversource Capital and Everstone Group, a leading investment manager in Asia.

Pratibha Jain Group General Counsel & Head of Strategy, Everstone Capital, Said, “Everstone is pleased to support STEP for this extremely important work of promoting  women entrepreneurs in climate. India cannot achieve the vision of the government for a Viksit Bharat without increasing the participation of women not only in the formal sector but also as leaders in the business world.   We laud the efforts of the STEP team in working on this critical mission.”

Reinu Shah, Founder, STEP said, “UnPollute 2024 is a movement to redefine sustainability through women leadership. Women entrepreneurs are not just beneficiaries but changemakers,  driving innovation and advancing India’s vision of a sustainable and inclusive future by empowering them in these important sectors.”

Prof. Bijayalakshmi Nanda, Principal, Miranda House said, “This partnership with STEP is a reflection of our commitment to promoting entrepreneurial mindsets, particularly amongst the youth, that can make a tangible and long-lasting difference in society. With UnPollute 2024, we are proud to support women innovators who are addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”

Swati Shah Gupta, Founder, Excellerate Solutions said, “By exploring blended investments, entrepreneurs can achieve desired and meaningful impact. Adopting innovative financing models can empower women entrepreneurs to lead in sustainability and climate tech.”

Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI, addressed the members and briefed SIDBI’s financial and operational performance for FY 2024. SIDBI achieved its highest-ever balance sheet size, income and net-profit during the year. The Bank surpassed the milestone figure of the balance sheet of ₹5 lakh crore. The Asset Base of the Bank grew by 30% from ₹4,02,383 crore in FY 2023 to ₹5,22,521 crore in FY 2024. The Loans & Advances portfolio increased from ₹3,56,439 crore in FY 2023 to ₹4,56,015 crore in FY 2024, representing a growth of 28%. During FY 2024, the Bank earned an income of ₹31,942 crore, an increase of 73% over the previous year and recorded highest ever net profit of ₹4,026 crore, an increase of 20% over the previous year. The Earnings Per Share (EPS) also increased to ₹70.82 in FY 2024. Gross NPA and Net NPA ratio of the Bank stood at 0.02% and 0.00%, respectively, as on March 31, 2024. A dividend of 20% was approved at the AGM for FY 2024.

Shri Mittal stated, “At SIDBI, we are committed to strengthening and deepening the MSME sector and the Bank’s direct and indirect finance operations have significantly boosted the flow of credit to the sector”.

SIDBI’s motto is to support MSMEs build resilience, encourage them to grow and enable them to enhance their presence in the global arena. The Bank strives to achieve this objective through continuous engagement with the Government and other stakeholders.

SIDBI has made significant advances in digitalisation of its lending processes and has also been instrumental in implementing digital interventions in the MSME ecosystem.

In furtherance of India’s commitment to mitigate the impact of climate change, SIDBI has also stepped up its interventions in the area of Green finance for MSMEs, aligning with the government’s sustainable and green initiatives. SIDBI’s green financing portfolio expanded by a remarkable 4.5 times in the year under review.

SIDBI’s Cluster Development Fund that extends financial assistance to State Governments for the development of MSME infrastructure, gained traction in FY 2024.  Cumulative disbursement of `2,252 crore was affected to State/ UTs which is expected to benefit 1.72 lakh MSMEs.

Apart from finance, SIDBI, through its ‘Mission Swavalamban’ programme, promotes entrepreneurship. In FY 2024, the Bank launched several new programmes targeting various MSME segments, especially those centered around micro entrepreneurs.

CMD said, “During FY 2025, SIDBI will continue to support the MSME sector, with focus on underserved/ unserved Micro enterprises, through various initiatives including extending its direct outreach by opening 24 new branches which would cover a total of 168 MSME clusters. Further, SIDBI will continue to work towards the development of the MSME ecosystem, explore new areas/ collaborations to address challenges faced by MSMEs to pave a way for their unhindered growth and help them mark their footprints in global value chain.”

South Central Mumbai; the heartthrob of the city of Mumbai as a residential micro-market is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with old buildings making way for luxurious high-rise structures. This rejuvenation is attracting home buyers due to its historic significance and strategic location, making it a prime real estate market. With a unique blend of rich local culture, exceptional connectivity, and promising infrastructure projects, this area is not just a place to live; it’s becoming a lifestyle choice for many.

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Mumbai Residential Q2 2024 report, in the second quarter of 2024, Mumbai city’s residential sector saw launches of 17,514 units. South Central Mumbai submarkets witnessed a notable increase in launches, predominantly from high-end segment projects in areas like Mahim and Dadar. The newly operational coastal road (Marine Drive-Worli) and the upcoming Metro Line 3 (Andheri-Cuffe Parade) are enhancing the prospects for redevelopment projects in the South Central and Western Prime submarkets. Capital values have seen a rise of about 3-6% across all submarkets compared to the previous quarters, driven by significant progress in infrastructure projects. Enhanced connectivity from the newly operational coastal roads and advanced stages of the Metro Line 3 project is expected to further boost capital values in South, South Central, and parts of the Western Suburbs.

Highlighting the growing demand for housing, Mr. Anil Mutha, Chief Visionary & Co-Founder, Nandivardhan Group remarked, “We are seeing a definite trend of people opting to live in the heart of the city. They are looking at living in projects that provide them with luxurious amenities and the convenience of reduced travel time. Thus, areas like Dadar in South Central Mumbai are finding favor among home buyers due to improved connectivity and more realistic property prices.

“The Sewri Worli Elevated Corridor’s strategic alignment establishes a crucial link between Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and Bandra Worli Sea Link along with the partially operational Coastal Road, ensuring direct and signal-free connectivity between the two sea links. This has enhanced access to northern suburbs and will provide direct access to Navi Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport,” added Mr. Mutha.

As per Knight Frank India, there’s a noteworthy rise in property registrations in August 2024 in areas such as Central and South Mumbai. This indicates a potential diversification within the city’s property market.

Discussing the transformative impact of connectivity and redevelopment, Mr. Vedanshu Kedia, Director of Prescon Group, stated, “The Mahim-Matunga-Dadar Belt in Central–South Mumbai is experiencing a remarkable transformation as a micro-market. Strategically located equidistant from prime CBD’s of BKC and Lower Parel and bounded by two high priced residential markets of Bandra to the North and Worli to the South – showcases the tremendous opportunity for redevelopment in this micro market. Furthermore, the large stock of ageing infrastructure, provides an opportune time for residents to opt for redevelopment. The current redevelopment wave is revitalizing the housing landscape, offering long-time residents the chance to enjoy an enhanced lifestyle, while attracting Mumbaikars in search for a well-priced, yet strategic location. The South Central Mumbai market is our focal area for redevelopment projects due to its existing social infrastructure, upcoming infrastructure connectivity and a large stock of ageing infrastructure.”

“Moreover, this region boasts excellent connectivity to the rest of the city via the Western Express Highway, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the Coastal Road, and the upcoming Metro Line 3, which will significantly improve access. The location embodies the vibrant culture of South Mumbai, paired with unparalleled connectivity to the rest of the city,” Mr. Kedia added.

South Central Mumbai retains the timeless charm of the old city while exuding a youthful vibrancy. This region offers a harmonious blend of recreational options and social amenities, showcasing a lively social infrastructure that includes inviting diners, trendy cafes, and an array of shopping malls.

 In conclusion, South Central Mumbai emerges as a dynamic real estate market that offers far more than just residences; it provides a lifestyle enriched with opportunities, culture, and convenience. With ongoing improvements in connectivity, the area is set for even greater growth. For homebuyers and investors alike, South Central Mumbai represents not only a place to live but also a gateway to a vibrant urban experience. Its unique combination of modern living, rich heritage, and excellent educational opportunities makes this region a prime destination in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Mumbai, September 25, 2024:  Shriram Finance Limited (“SFL” or “Company”) One of the India’s largest retail financing Non-Banking Finance Companies has successfully priced a USD 500 million Fixed Rate Senior Secured Rule 144A / Reg S Bond for a 3.5 year tenor at an interest rate of 6.15%. This deal marks the largest deal size by the Company. This is the Company’s 9th successful USD public bondissuance since the relaxation in the ECB guidelines.

Following a strong book build supported by high quality long only marquee investors, the Company was able to achieve tightening in the pricing by 35 bps. This also marks the tight credit spreads over 3 year US Treasuries in our USD bonds.

The bond got an overwhelming response from over 125 investors with the order book in the range of 2.4x of the issue size.The transaction witnessed 47% participation from APAC, 27% from EMEA and 26% from US with 83% investment from asset managers/fund managers, 11% from private banks and 6% from banks.

SFL’s Social Bond issuance is guided by SFL’s Social Finance Framework which is aligned to the ICMA Social Bond Principles. The proceeds from the Social Bonds would be used for employment generation especially through MSME financing. SFL has obtained a second party opinion from S&P and CareEdge on its Social Finance Framework mapping to UNs Sustainable Development Goals – 1. No poverty, 8. Decent work and economic growth, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 10. Reduced inequalities.

SFL’s financial instruments and services provided are:
– Financing to small road transport operators (SRTOs) and first-time borrowers (FTBs) at favorable interest rates, where SRTOs and FTBs are from underserved communities across
India;

– Suitable financial instruments and services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), whose  current asset base does not allow access to mainstream bank credits or without proof of income to qualify for traditional loans; and

– Affordable financing instruments (i.e., personal loans, gold loans) to individuals (i.e., unbanked and/or underserved individuals, including women as a target population). Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance Limited, while describing the successful issuance stated “We are delighted to announce the successful placement of our USD 500mn Social Bond, reinforcing our commitment to advancing initiatives through our Social Finance Framework. This opportunistic issuance, executed under favorable market conditions, received an overwhelming response from global investors. As our 9th successful public USD bond issuance, following the USD 750 million transaction in January 2024, this reflects strong investor confidence in our financials, strategic vision, and dedication to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.”