Category business

Hyderabad, April 18, 2023: A quarter of the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water, and nearly half lack sources for sanitation. This gap in access to water is further expected to grow by 40% in the next seven years, as per a study by Morgan Stanley, bringing a new urgency to address water scarcity and sustainable water management.

In this context, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI, has sanctioned a research project on the desalination of brackish water for industrial uses, to Dr. Subhash Chandra from GITAM (Deemed to be University). Under the research project, Dr. Chandra received a grant of INR 48.61 lakh as part of the Water Technology Initiative plan in March 2023.

The growing water scarcity is a humanitarian crisis, but it also has striking economic implications. By 2050, water scarcity in some regions could impact GDP growth by up to 11.5%, the World Bank estimates. In this prevailing grim scenario, brackish water rejuvenation offers much hope! Brackish water — i.e. water that is more saline than freshwater but less saline than seawater — is commonly found in coastal areas, estuaries, and aquifers, and its desalination is crucial in addressing the water scarcity in many arid regions. Over the next several years, it’s anticipated that the desalination systems market in India will grow at a rate of more than 3% annually.

The project aims to develop sustainable carbon electrodes from biomass waste for use in membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) technology, which has become an up-and-coming water treatment technology for seawater desalination and is a greener alternative with low energy consumption, high efficiency, easy electrode regeneration, and no secondary pollution. MCDI technology is expected to have high desalination efficiency and salt rejection rates, making it a practical and low-cost technique for brackish water desalination.

As part of the project, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering at GITAM (Deemed to be University), and Prof. Jayanta Bhattacharya of IIT Kharagpur will work in the field of Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) — which applies an electrical potential across a pair of porous carbon electrodes separated by a permeable membrane. When the electrical potential is applied, the salt ions in brackish water are adsorbed onto the electrodes, leaving behind fresh water. The electrodes are then discharged, releasing the salt ions, which are flushed away.

The project will culminate in a pilot-scale desalination plant, which will be tested for desalination in collaboration with Zelence Industries Private Limited. Industries with high water consumption, such as textile, pulp, paper and thermal power plants, stand to benefit from this project. The expected launch of the desalination unit is planned for late 2025 to early 2026.

Speaking about the project and the grant, Dr. Subhash Chandra from GITAM (Deemed to be University) said, “This project will help us develop a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the water scarcity problem in India’s arid regions. We will utilize functionalized biochar to grow carbon electrodes and design and develop the MCDI cell for desalination. This project also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and innovation in solving critical issues such as water scarcity and climate change. Creating sustainable carbon electrodes from biomass waste for brackish water desalination is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable carbon-neutral future.”

India  18th April’2023: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India has announced the launch of a new 3-screen multiplex at NCS Square Mall, Guwahati today. The new cinema will augment PVR INOX foothold in Assam to a total of 4 cinemas across 14 screens, with its presence in Guwahati and Jorhat.

With this opening, PVR INOX consolidates its presence in East India with a total of 126 screens in 33 properties.

Strategically located at A.T Road, Adabari, in close proximity to the airport and surrounded by residential societies, the multiplex has a seating capacity of 688, with recliners available in one of the auditoriums. Additionally, each of the three screens is equipped with the best-in-class cinema technologies, including an advanced Laser Projection system for razor-sharp visuals, a great sound experience with Dolby Atmos for an immersive feel, and a vibrant 3D view powered by Volfoni Smart Crystal Diamond solution.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Guwahati, the biggest city of Assam, the vital gateway to North East India, which is poised to become a nodal point of India’s growth story. The state has adopted numerous investor-friendly policies and the launch of our fourth property in Assam has been driven by the conducive business environment. This launch reaffirms our commitment to promote the growth of multiplexes in underpenetrated markets across the country and address the growing demand for immersive big-screen experiences among movie enthusiasts exposing them to a world-class out-of-home entertainment destination.”

The cinema boasts a stunning contemporary design that is sure to impress. The sleek metal framing and use of glass elements further accentuate the space’s modern ambiance. Additionally, the wooden ceiling finish adds texture and warmth, creating a dynamic and inviting environment. Overall, the design perfectly captures youthful and vibrant energy while also incorporating luxurious and sophisticated elements.

The multiplex offers various customer-friendly features for easy and hassle-free servicing like digital check-ins with touchscreen, QR code-enabled ticketing, and interactive food ordering. While the in-house kitchen will offer a wide variety of food options to choose from, customers will also be able to enjoy these food options within the comfort of their homes by ordering through Swiggy and Zomato.

“Northeast India is a kaleidoscope of geographic, ethnic, and economic heterogeneity. We are proud to expand our presence in Assam, the largest economy in the northeast region. We are thrilled to open our third property in Guwahati, a rapidly growing city in India. We are certain that the people of Assam and cinema enthusiasts of Guwahati would surely derive pleasure from an extraordinary movie-watching experience in our multiplex, a perfect blend of comfort and class”, said Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX.

With this opening, PVR INOX has strengthened its growth momentum and has opened 52 screens across 8 properties in 8 cities since the merger.

India, 18 April 2023: Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS) and NxtWave Disruptive Technologies Pvt. Ltd. have recently entered into a strategic agreement aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups in Andhra Pradesh. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formalized during the prestigious Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 held at Andhra University, College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam.

The MOU will bring about a collaborative effort between APIS and NxtWave to provide career-aligned education and contemporary skill development for in-demand job roles. It also seeks to foster the growth of the start-up ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh through short- and long-term programs. The initiative aims to upskill fresh graduates and college students, thereby contributing to the growth of the state’s economy.

Through this association, NxtWave aims to create awareness about job opportunities in Advanced Technologies and the need for essential coaching for software jobs to unlock high-paying opportunities and achieve career dreams. Through this association, NxtWave will enable the youth in securing a future-proof career and accelerate their path to lucrative careers by gaining coding skills from their 12th class onward.

As part of this effort, NxtWave will also provide trained candidates in Full-stack Development and other Advanced Technologies as interns or full-time employees for startups in the region. Additionally, NxtWave will host pre-placement talks by startup founders to acquire top talent from their student pool.

In addition, NxtWave will conduct certified online boot camps and build an online 4.0 Tech Community to facilitate the relevant stakeholders’ understanding of the latest developments in Advanced Technologies. This initiative aims to upskill fresh graduates and college students, thereby fostering the growth of the startup ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh and boosting the state’s economy.

Speaking about the collaboration, CEO of NxtWave, Rahul Attuluri said – “We are excited to partner with APIS for creating more job opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship in the state. We shall work together with APIS towards helping startups hire talent and building awareness about Advanced Technologies among fresh graduates and college students in the state of Andhra Pradesh. ”

NxtWave is an ed-tech platform that imparts career-aligned education with content focused on the development of contemporary skills for in-demand job roles through short- and long-term programs targeted towards upskilling fresh graduates and college students. APIS is a state nodal agency that spearheads the promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups among first-generation entrepreneurs, researchers, students, citizens, and the government.

18th April 2023, Mumbai, India: Euro Panel Products Limited, one of India’s leading Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) manufacturers, has achieved remarkable growth in the financial year 2022-23. Despite a challenging environment during the pandemic, in the financial year 2021-22, the company achieved a revenue of 216 CR which represented a 52% revenue growth indicating the successful execution of its strategies and business models. This year, in the financial year 2022-2023, Eurobond has crossed over 300CR. This exceptional growth has been possible because of Eurobond’s strong commitment to making the right investments in technology, strengthening its product portfolio, and expanding its network in the global environment while also keeping a focus on sustainability and ecological balance.

Over the years, the building material industry has witnessed significant growth and Euro Panel Products Limited has introduced many innovations in line with this. The brand also plans to establish a coil coating unit to offer various ACP coating finishes which is in line to the expected growth of India’s MSME sector. As a contributor to the larger picture of India becoming an industry leader, the company has also increased its export sales significantly with exports now amounting to >5% of the company’s revenues, and it believes that this avenue will continue to grow in the coming years.

Mr. Divyam Shah, Whole Time Director of Euro Panel Products Limited, said, “We are more than ready to cater to this growing market and upcoming opportunities. As India grows from an economic size of a little less than USD 3 trillion today to USD 5 trillion through this decade in line with the aspiration of our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, we believe infrastructure and consequently, the façade industry will have a significant role to play. We also believe in the growing role that Eurobond has to play in the movement of “Make in India, Make for the World. With compelling business ideas, growth fundamentals, strong penetration in the market, focus on premium products and regular innovation, we are confident that we will continue to thrive in global markets.”

Euro Panel Products Limited also exclusively partnered with Euramax, the world’s leading coil coating specialist that supplies pre-coated Aluminum worldwide has been another commendable step in accelerating their revenue. The collaboration brings an unmatched quality of ACP with unparalleled designs, innovative surface colors, and textures. Eurobond has witnessed a year-on-year growth of >20% in demand for its premium products across India, indicating the growing popularity of these new products and customers’ preference for new designs frequently with custom-color preferences.

Along with having products ranging from economical to high-end, the company also aims to introduce a zinc finish ACP series which combines both Aluminium and Zinc to produce lightweight and water-resistant panels that act as great cladding materials for creating exceptional structures. Euro Panel Products Limited also presented this as its main expansion plan when it was listed on the National Stock Exchange Emerge Platform.

April 18 2023 The company’s outstanding performance in facilitating the connection between hosts from different parts of the world and Airbnb’s rapidly expanding community has been recognized.

STAAH has a strong presence in the global online platform partner ecosystem due to its innovative distribution platform and comprehensive solutions. By leveraging its state-of-the-art technology, specialized for the hospitality space, STAAH has successfully fulfilled all the criteria set for the partnership program.

The integration between STAAH and Airbnb has yielded remarkable outcomes for STAAH properties worldwide, enabling them to effortlessly connect with millions of guests across the globe. This collaboration continues to provide significant value to STAAH clients.

“We are pleased to be recognized as a Preferred Software Partner for Airbnb. STAAH’s advanced distribution technology has proven to be best-in-class, and our partnership with Airbnb, allows us to help vacation rentals and homestays around the world in boosting their online revenue and growing their business,” says Tarun Joukani, Commercial Director – STAAH.

By Amit Gupta, Managing Director, SAG Infotech

In India, taxes are a major source of income for the government and a big portion of it comes from income tax. As the name suggests, It is a tax that is levied on the income earned by individuals and companies. Every year not only its necessary to file your ITRs (income tax returns) but also there is a strict deadline before which you need to file your ITR. Everyone thinks filing income tax returns on time is just a legal requirement. But they don’t know it also has various benefits. In this article, we will deep dive into the world of income tax and discuss the importance of filing your income tax returns on time in India.

Avoid Penalties and Interest

Avoiding penalties and interest is one of the main justifications for timely filing income tax returns. A penalty of Rs. 5,000 must be paid in India if your income tax return is not filed by the deadline. If you keep putting off filing, the fine could reach Rs. 10,000. In addition, if you owe any taxes and don’t pay them by the deadline, you’ll have to pay interest on the amount still owed. These fines and interest fees can be avoided by timely filing your income tax returns.

Claim Refunds

Another important benefit of filing income tax returns on time is that you can claim refunds if you are eligible. Such as you can get a refund on opening a new savings or PPF account and also a refund if you paid more tax than you had to. However, These refunds are subject to the condition, in which you filled your returns on time. You can avoid missing out on refunds by filing your income tax returns on time.

Build Your Financial History

One of the most important benefits of filing your income tax return on time is, it helps you to boost your financial history ie. CIBIL or Experian scores. Because your Cibil scores are essential for banks when they approve your loan applications. Also, these are key factors for credit card allocation and other financial products. And there is a simple reasoning behind this, by filing your income tax you demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower who pays their taxes on time.

Avoid Scrutiny

You can also avoid Income Tax Department audits by submitting your tax returns on time. You are more likely to be chosen by the Income Tax Department for review. if you submit your income tax returns after the deadline. However by submitting your income tax returns on time. you can easily avoid the time-consuming and stressful process of scrutiny.

Conclusion

Filing your income tax returns on time is not just your legal responsibility. but it comes with more benefits than you think. Ofcource by filing your income tax returns on time. you can avoid penalties and interest charges these are some of the obvious benefits. But some other benefits that are hidden in the shadows are you can claim refunds, build your financial history, and avoid scrutiny from the Income Tax Department. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you file your income tax returns on time every year.

—

Mumbai, April 18th, 2023: Dedicated to celebrating new beginnings, long-lasting serious relationships, and married couples, Matrimony Day celebrations kicked off a day early this year. Hosted by The Good Creator Co. in Mumbai, this Matrimony Day party brought together some of the social media’s most loved couples.

As a testimony to the bonds life partners create, the event kicked off with a traditional dhol welcome followed by a ‘Compatibility Meter’ game that helped couples enkindle their connection. With a specially curated menu, courtesy of House of Mandarin, better halves/influencers toasted to loving relationships built from finding their forever partner.

“The power of connections is something we’ve always believed in. It’s why we do what do, and it’s why we were so excited to collaborate again with Bharat Matrimony to spearhead Matrimony Day celebrations. After all marriage – the purest expression of love – deserves to be celebrated too”, shares Malini Aggarwal, Co-founder, The Good Creator Co.

Arjun Bhatia, CMO of Matrimony.com, adds “We love connecting people to their perfect match. And Matrimony Day is a testament to the goal we always align with – a better Bharat starts with happy marriages. Happy marriages begin at Bharat Matrimony”.

April 18 2023 The real estate market in Bengaluru has displayed an impressive resurgence in the financial year 2022-23. Despite the obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s real estate industry has exhibited a remarkable rebound.

The market has observed a noteworthy decrease in inventory while displaying an increasing demand for luxury homes. As per CREDAI Bengaluru, there has been a surge in the aspiration for larger homes while the demand for affordable housing has taken a backseat. Furthermore, the trend of ready-to-move-in properties has been gaining momentum among prospective homebuyers.

“Bengaluru’s real estate market has witnessed a significant shift towards luxury homes in FY 22-23. With a high demand for larger, ready-to-move-in properties, homebuyers are showing a willingness to invest in premium homes that offer comfort, style and luxury. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, making luxury homes a lucrative segment for real estate developers in Bangalore,” said Bhaskar T Nagendrappa. President, CREDAI Bengaluru.

Despite the rising costs of construction, labor, statutory fees, and raw materials, the real estate sector has seen significant growth. The desire for home ownership has been on the rise due to the uncertainty created by the pandemic, resulting in a surge of investments in the real estate sector.

Post-pandemic, the psychology of home buyers has shifted significantly towards luxury homes. According to CREDAI, the uncertainty and upheaval caused by the pandemic have made people prioritize their mental health and well-being, leading them to seek comfort and security in their homes. This trend is not just limited to those with high disposable incomes, but also those with more modest budgets. The pandemic has made people realize the importance of having a home that can serve multiple purposes, such as a workspace, gym, and entertainment center.

“The pandemic has altered the way we look at our homes. People are now seeking more than just a place to live – they want a sanctuary that can cater to all their needs. Luxury homes are designed to offer just that – a space that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The shift towards luxury homes is not just a passing trend, but a reflection of a broader change in the way people view their homes. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, but it is likely to continue even after the pandemic subsides,” he said.

The sector has also witnessed an upswing due to the drop in interest rates and higher savings among potential homebuyers. These factors have collectively contributed to the growth and sustainability of the real estate market.

“The pandemic has redefined the role of our homes, from mere living spaces to multifunctional sanctuaries. It has been transformed into hospitals, offices, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This shift, combined with reduced expenditures and increased savings, has empowered individuals to invest in their dream homes,” he said.

The IT/ITES sector has emerged as the major homebuyer in Bangalore. People prefer staying closer to their offices due to the city’s heavy traffic. The most sought-after locations by home buyers are xxx, xxxx, xxx. (Need the locations from CREDAI).

Bangalore 2023: For all the kids and adventure-seekers, here’s an opportunity to explore the Kingdom of Dragons. Embark on a magical adventure, the incredible indoor jungle display featuring life-size dragons along with dragon eggs. The Dragons spew simulated realistic flames with smoke, which adds to the total experience and gives it a natural look and feel. Movements include head, eye, jaws, natural roaring sound, the flapping of wings, and more.

Information boards are placed next to the dragons, this will help the kids gain insight and to be aware/ learn more about these fascinating mythical creatures.

Weekends are filled with fun activities and games, theme-based workshops, dragon walkabout, and more

The Kingdom of Dragon will be at Vega City Mall till 7th May 2023

That’s not all! Kidzania – Summer fiesta bring to you, Shop & Win. Shop at our Kids specific stores and get a chance to WIN Exciting gift vouchers and Wonderla tickets. Head down to Vega City Mall, to shop for the colorful dresses for your little ones now.

India, April 2023: UK-based premium fashion brand hosts a one-of-a-kind celebration in Delhi to celebrate their community, the #Urbanicsquad. The media and influencers experienced ‘Good vibes and positivity’ through the Urbanic summer pool party event. The event was themed at the forefront of Urbanic’s ongoing campaign, ‘#UAre’.

The campaign highlights and encourages the influencers to spread positivity by displaying their creativity through content creation and overcoming unwanted online trolling for creators. Urbanic aims to raise awareness via the slang, ‘Kill’em with kindness’. The hashtag is open-ended to complete for anyone to overcome online hatred; such as #UAre- amazing/courageous/ high-spirited and more.

Urbanic presented the media and influencers with their new spring-summer collection. The collection is tailor-made for a memorable, fun, and comfortable summer, just like a breath of fresh, breezy air. The color selection is a mix of hues of pink and white, ruling the summer season at Urbanic. Summer staples like basic tees and denim are a highlight for the customers.

The event was well embraced by the #Urbanicsquad with over 300+ influencers, with names like Ishani Mitra, Shaily Srivastava, Shubhi Bharal, and more who had a glam time and promoted the campaign behind the event, #UAre. The event was a no-hate zone and allowed inclusivity among influencers, via their campaign.

Rahul Dayama, Head of Marketing at Urbanic India said, “ Urbanic has truly bridged the gap for our customers through trending collections at premium quality in India, it’s a pleasure for me to host a celebration that honors the #Urbanicsquad. The event is a reminder that Urbanic is part of a larger community that celebrates good vibes and positivity, which is the theme and highlight of our event. Creators celebrate Urbanic, while we celebrate them”

Vaishali Srivastava, or popularly known as Srivastav jig, a leading fashion and lifestyle influencer based out of Delhi mentioned, “I love Urbanic and the team so much, they literally throw the best parties. It’s such a fun and intimate event where you get to meet your friends and fellow creators followed by some really nice good food and music. The spring-summer collection this time was so nicely curated I can’t wait to try them on and wear it this season.”

Neeta Basnet, one of the first members of #Urbanicsquad mentioned, “I have been part of the #UrbanicSquad since my early days of content creation. I love the community, as it has supported me throughout my journey and helped me become my best self. I always look forward to our community meet-ups, as it’s always so refreshing to interact with new creators and spend time with them. This summer beach house was fun, I got to meet my friends again and preview the new summer collection, which I am thrilled to add to my wardrobe.”

Urbanic’s summer pool party was indeed a memorable experience for media and influencers and marked the celebration of their tribe, #Urbanicsquad.