Category business

February 18, 2023, Mumbai: PLANET (Personalised Lending & Assisted NETworks) application by L&T Financial Services (LTFS), a retail-focused non-banking financial company, has achieved the milestone of 2 million downloads. The exponential growth in the number of downloads is attributed to deeper penetration of loan products in rural India through digitization and expansion of loan products in urban India.

The PLANET app, which is one of the highest-rated finance apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store with a score of 4.5 and 4.3 respectively, has generated close to Rs. 1,500 crore business, collections of over Rs. 130 crore and has serviced more than 21 lakh customers as on January 31, 2023.

More than 2 lakh rural customers of L&T Financial Services have downloaded this application to access the various benefits like the convenience of checking loan details, and ease of access to loan-related documents along with specialized services like timely credit scores and daily mandi prices. In fact, the app also offers Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) reminders and is available in 10 regional languages, besides English and Hindi.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Dinanath Dubhashi, Managing Director & CEO, L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. said, “Connecting rural India to the digital ecosystem has been one of the key pillars of the government, and I am happy to share that our initiatives in this direction are also gaining momentum. Our strong rural customer base along with our robust digital and data analytics-based platform today enables us to reach out to the last-mile rural customer and introduce, educate, and establish the advantages of technology in making lives simpler. Out of the total downloads of our customer-facing application – PLANET app – more than 10% of the downloads are from rural India. We are proud to have serviced more than 60,000 requests of our rural customers till now. It is interesting to note from our data that rural customers understand the importance of a good credit score as we saw close to 20,000 rural customers check their credit score judiciously on the app. The utility and timely features including mandi prices and calendar reminders for EMI payments are being keenly used by our farm and micro loan customers.”

As a part of the expansion of services to urban customers, PLANET app is constantly evolving to offer exciting features. These include Insta Loans for consumer loans and two-wheeler finance customers

with end-to-end digital journeys. Insta Loans for two-wheeler finance customers is an intuitive autonomous 5-step journey for two-wheeler finance customers. The entire journey from zeroing in on the two-wheeler model, to the knowing exact dealership to visit for delivery can be done through the app. This feature is available for both existing and new LTFS customers.

PLANET app can be downloaded by scanning the QR codes below:

Pune, 18.02.2023: Orchids The International School recently conducted a ‘Yoga for Drivers’ program at its Tathawade branch in Pune. Considering driving is one of the most difficult activities that require physical as well as mental agility. After driving through heavy traffic and handling boisterous young children, the drivers are hardly in a frame of mind to exercise or go for gym activities.

Studies on the work and health of bus drivers indicate that they are at an increased risk of physical and mental occupational ill health. Therefore, the school took this initiative to bring awareness on maintaining good health, especially through Yoga, and how it will benefit their overall well-being. Yoga sessions can help drivers to prevent injuries by improving their flexibility, balance, and posture. This reduces the risk of back pain, neck pain, and other driving-related physical ailments.

The 3 hours long session was conducted by Aarti Karve, a Yoga practitioner who taught a series of powerful Yogic practices, including Yoga Namaskar (Yoga for Well-being), Nadi Shuddhi (Yoga for Peace), Neck Practices (Yoga for Success), Simha Kriya (Yoga for Respiratory Health), and Shambhavi Mudra (Yoga for Inner Exploration).

The program witnessed the participation of around 50 school drivers from different Pune branches of the school. The program received positive feedback from all the drivers present.

Speaking on the program, Nikhil Agrawal, Head of the Center of Excellence said, “At Orchids, we promote and educate about healthy living habits not just to our students but also to support staff. We understand that the job of the school bus driver comes with immense responsibility and requires the utmost patience. Driving safely by following all the safety rules, watching out for rogue drivers, sitting for long hours, breathing polluted air during traffic and driving for long hours, and controlling their emotions leave them mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day. Thus, we felt stress relieving programs for drivers are required. Exercise and yoga will help reduce stress and lead to healthier lives. Given the positive feedback we got through this program, we are also looking forward to conducting such programs in the future. Their enthusiasm and eagerness were visible as they felt good to be looked after and cared for, making them more cheerful and stress-free while on duty.”

Periodic motivation classes rewarding drivers for their good deeds can help improve the morale of the drivers.

Lenovo Delivers Solid Results as Diversified Growth Engines and Operational Excellence Drive Profitability

“With total revenue of over US$ 400 million across all Lenovo portfolios in India in Q3 FY22/23, we continue to see strong momentum for our services and solutions business in India. We are committed to investing in capability building to deliver for our customers beyond end-point devices and achieve our service-led transformation objectives with a broad suite of pocket-to-cloud offerings. We have taken concrete steps on the ESG front, which help our customers reduce their carbon footprint (CO2 Offset services) and e-waste management (Asset Recovery Services). With the help of new IT solutions, we are on our journey to becoming an end-to-end technology partner that enables intelligent transformation for our customers.” – Shailendra Katyal, Managing Director, Lenovo India

Mumbai, February 18th, 2023: Greenply Industries Limited, one of India’s largest interior infrastructure brands with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing a comprehensive range of plywood, block boards, decorative veneers, flush doors, and other allied products, has yet again taken a leadership role by releasing its first Sustainability Report. The report has been developed referring to the guidance under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, highlighting the brand’s sustainability journey through its initiative ‘ESG360’. This is the first sustainability report released by any brand in the Indian wood panel industry, marking a dynamic change in this sector.

As a part of its ESG journey, Greenply will be strengthening its systems and processes in order to generate data and track progress against key performance indicators based on the material topics. Going forward, Greenply will be reporting across the six capitals as per the Value Reporting Foundation which includes manufacturing capital, natural capital, social capital, intellectual capital, financial capital, and human capital. The six capitals model will provide the company with a balanced approach that will not only improve its investment decision-making processes but also integrate Sustainable Development as a behavior and an aspirational set of goals for the brand.

Speaking on the report launch, Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director & CEO, of Greenply Industries Ltd said, “Sustainability has been embedded in our roots over the years. We take this philosophy ahead as part of our core strategy as we embark on a formal journey with ESG initiative while we grow responsibly. With ‘ESG360’, Greenply has already started cultivating a business strategy that confers due respect to people and the planet. We are very optimistic that this sustainability report is a foundation stone for all our endeavors towards transforming into a progressively sustainable and resilient organization in the years to come.”

Led by a sustainability-oriented approach, Greenply has been undertaking extensive plantation activities over the past several decades leading to responsible procurement of raw materials. Besides environmental protection, the plantation activity helps maintain the financial viability of the ecosystem as it generates employment for the local inhabitants too. Greenply has also attained the FSC® – FM (Forest Management) Certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) for its sustainable plantation unit located in Tizit, Nagaland, and is the first company to have successfully achieved this certification in the interior infrastructure segment in India. To date, Greenply has planted around 19.5 million saplings covering an area nearly of 24,500 acres of plantation.

Greenply strives to be a net zero-waste company. The Company consumes all the waste products as fuel in the boilers, for example wood chips formed during the plywood manufacturing process are used for energy generation. Even the wastewater from the production is channeled into the reservoirs that provide water for sprinklers, helping to replenish the ground water table. Greenply has been undertaking activities to reduce emissions and move towards renewable energy generation. Rooftop Solar panels are installed at all the manufacturing facilities for the generation of green energy. Additionally, electric vehicles and EV forklifts are deployed for inhouse transportation needs. The company is the first one in the wood & panel industry to introduce a range of Zero Emission (E-0) products keeping in mind the health interest of its consumers by reducing formaldehyde emission to negligible or equal to zero, thus safeguarding the indoor air quality.

Hyderabad: After a morale-boosting 1-0 win over the Mariners, Manolo Marquez’s Hyderabad FC are back in action when they welcome Jamshedpur FC to the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, in a 5:30 pm kick-off on Saturday, February 18.

HFC, who play their third game in eight days, have booked their place in the semi-finals. The visitors are out of the race to the playoffs but both teams will want to end the season on a high and will fight for all three points from this game.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side put in strong performances against ATK Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City, and NorthEast United in the last three games and look a side that could be tough to beat.

The addition of Rafael Crivellaro and the form of Ritwik Das, Boris Thangjam, Pronay Halder, Jay Thomas, Daniel Chukwu, and TP Rehnesh have turned Jamshedpur into a dangerous side in recent games.

“Jamshedpur has been playing really well in recent games. I think they have now found the right balance in the team and have good players with great quality which makes them a tough side,” said Manolo.

“They are showing the level they have now. They have found their style and system and with this team, they could have been fighting for the playoffs. So, I am sure this will be a difficult game for my side,” he added.

Hyderabad FC put on a solid display to beat ATK Mohun Bagan in the last game and will hope for a similar outing in what will be the last league game at the Maidaan this season.

Bartholomew Ogbeche scored the winner that night, moving to eight goals for the season. Borja Herrera, Javi Siverio, Joel Chianese, Mohammad Yasir and Halicharan Narzary have been effective in attack while Chinglensana Konsham, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Nikhil Poojary, Akash Mishra, Odei Onaindia and Gurmeet Singh have done their job to help Hyderabad stand as the best defensive side the league this season.

However, with a place in the semi-final booked, Manolo Marquez might ring in the changes ahead of this clash.

“We might play a few players tomorrow who are not usually in the lineup. But they have been training really well and deserve to play,” said Manolo.

“We want to win tomorrow, and we cannot relax yet. I am sure our players are hungry and will be ready for this tough game,” the Spaniard added.

Hyderabad will want to build some momentum going into the playoffs and end their league phase at home on a high.

Like in the reverse fixture that was decided by just a goal, Jamshedpur FC could prove to be a difficult test, and this promises to be an iconic Indian Super League clash, in Hyderabad.

The game kicks off at 5:30 pm IST on Saturday, and will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network with live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV.

New Delhi, 18 February 2023: Aviva Life Insurance, India’s most trusted private life insurance company, announced the launch of the Aviva Signature Guaranteed Income Plan. The non-linked, non-participating savings life insurance plan is designed to provide customers with a comprehensive solution to help them build long-term wealth while saving tax and guaranteeing a steady income stream in the long run.

The plan is crafted keeping in mind the financial needs of individuals across all stages of their lives, starting from young singles and couples to parents with young and grown-up children, couples nearing retirement, or already retired individuals and offer four distinct options:

Signature Moneymaker provides customers with guaranteed income annually from the second policy anniversary till the policy matures along with a lump sum at maturity so that they can enjoy tax benefits on premium payment and income payouts.

Signature Investor offers customers a lump sum payment on survival of the life insured till maturity to fulfil their long-term goals.

Signature Builder allows customers to receive guaranteed income over a payout period, with the guaranteed income beginning from one year after the end of the policy term to have a steady stream of income after the deferment period.

Lastly, Signature Saver pays out guaranteed income annually from one year after the end of the premium payment term till policy maturity for customers who require a guaranteed stream of income to fulfill child education or retirement goals.

Aviva Signature Guaranteed Income Plan offers up to three times guaranteed returns on total premiums and provides customers with tax-efficient early and deferred income options. Additionally, customers can expect loyalty additions, guaranteed maturity additions, and zero alteration charges for frequency changes. Furthermore, it has 26 policy and premium paying term variants, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their financial needs.

Mr. Vinit Kapahi, Head of Marketing, said, “Our new Aviva Signature Guaranteed Income Plan aims to meet the diverse financial needs of policyholders at different phases of their lives. The plan will enable guaranteed, tax-free, long-term, risk-free wealth accumulation and income in a single offering, providing peace of mind and financial security. With four variants to choose from and a range of premium and policy term options, we aim to empower a wide range of customers to achieve their financial goals with confidence and peace of mind.”

Key highlights of the Aviva Signature Guaranteed Income Plan are:

• Up to three times of Guaranteed Returns on Total Premiums# Paid
• Tax-Efficient Early Income
• Tax-Efficient Deferred Income
• Tax-free Lump Sum
• Loyalty Additions, Guaranteed Maturity Additions
• Range of Premium Paying Term and Policy Term Variants – 26 in all
• Zero Alteration Charges for Frequency Change
• Dual Tax Benefits

# excluding the taxes, underwriting extra premiums, and loadings for modal premiums if any

New Delhi, February 18, 2023: Muscle & Strength India, one of the country’s leading retailers of fitness supplements & nutritional products has won two prestigious awards recently. The company has won the award for Best Health Supplement Chain in India which was presented by renowned Indian actor and film producer Arbaaz Khan in New Delhi. Brand Icon of Year 2023 award had recognized the companies who excelled in their respective fields through innovation & persistent efforts. In another feat during the National Startup Day celebration event in Mumbai, 1Million Entrepreneurs International Forum in association with VyapaarJagat.com recognized Muscle and Strength India as Vyapaar Ratna Award – Healthcare category. It is a prestigious platform that intends to recognize and applaud formidable first-generation Startups & MSME entrepreneurs who are visionaries in their respective fields.

Muscle and Strength India, which currently has 25 stores spread across multiple cities has the widest range with over 1000 fitness supplements and nutrition products from 42+ brands. These products are used for athletic performance, fitness and overall wellness. The company is looking to expand aggressively in the country through franchisee route as it seeks to deepen its presence in India’s growing nutritional supplement space.

Commenting on this recognition, Mr. Praveen Chirania, Founder, Muscle and Strength India, said, “Awards always motivate us to strive further and innovate and I wish to dedicate these awards with my incredible staff & franchisees, who share my vision and are driven by the same pursuit of excellence. In a short span of time, Muscle & Strength India has already made its mark with its authentic and genuine products. Our unwavering commitment towards genuine and economically priced supplements and consumer-focused innovation has increased consumers’ trust in our brand. We thank the jury and the organizers for conferring us with these esteemed awards”.

“Since our inception, we have always strived to deliver the best products and services to our customers. We are elated that our commitment towards quality and innovation in the industry has been recognized. This is indeed a proud moment for the Muscle & Strength India family as also a great reassurance and reinforcement for our brand by our valued and satisfied consumer base. It will strengthen our commitment and going forward, we aim to launch products in various variants, focusing on different health and wellness categories and segments.” added Praveen.

India is at an apex of a fitness revolution where the larger population embraces the fitness industry. Muscle & Strength India is a leading brand in the supplements space today endorsed by celebrities and athletes like Mika Singh, Shreyas Talpade, and Tarun Gill amongst others. Muscle and Strength India offers a comprehensive range of genuine high-quality fitness supplement and nutritional products across categories such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements etc manufactured by international fitness brands under a single roof.

Kolkata 18th February, 2023: Ms Sudarshana Mukherjee, Councillor, Ward 68, Kolkata Municipal Corporation announced a unique street carnival ‘Paanch Phoron’ featuring fashion, lifestyle, food, home-décor, art carnival with interactive workshops for senior citizens, women, differently abled etc. at Citizens’ Park, Cornfield Road, Kolkata. Present on the occasion were Mr Debojyoti Mishra, Music Director, Revered Dilip Maharaj, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Mr Swapan Basu, Folk Singer and Mr Siddhartha Chatterjee, Actor & Financial Analyst.

Hyderabad, 18 February 2023: India’s largest producer of iron ore NMDC swept five awards at the Governance Now 9th PSU Awards held in New Delhi on 16 February 2023. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Justice Shri Dipak Mishra, Former Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court as the Chief Guest to felicitate the winners. The Governance Now Awards recognize and celebrate the commitment of PSUs in raising the standards in the public sector to create socio-economic value for the country.

CMD Shri Sumit Deb was felicitated with the coveted PSU Leadership Award 2022 and NMDC also brought home accolades for CSR Leadership, CSR Commitment (Overall), HR Excellence (Overall), and Nation Building, all received by Shri DK Mohanty, Director (Production) on behalf of NMDC. He thanked the team of Governance Now, jury members, and Justice Shri Dipak Mishra for recognizing the company’s efforts and said, “NMDC’s commitment to nation-building and creating economic value for the country has been consistent. We will continue to enhance and strengthen the company’s processes for overall efficiency.”

Shri Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said, “As we gear up to build a new India together, NMDC dives headfirst into reinventing its digital infrastructure for technological prowess, to serve the country better. We thank Governance Now for acknowledging our sincere efforts to bring honour to the nation by creating meaningful change in people’s lives.”

India, February 17th, 2023: TeamLease EdTech, India’s leading learning solutions provider, recently launched its Career Outlook Report for Jan – Jun 2023 HY underlining some critical trends in the Indian job market that will guide freshers to navigate their job hunt for the coming months.

Career Outlook Report presents a deeper analysis of hiring intent across sectors and regions. Some key findings of the report are:

•  In Spite of the global gloom, intent to hire freshers for Indian employers has marginally increased by 3% (62%) compared to July-December 2022 (59%).
•  62% of employers surveyed across India intend to hire freshers during January-June 2023.
•  Cloud Developer, Investment Banking Associate, Cybersecurity Engineer, Marketing Analyst,Social Media Specialist, Content Writer, Campaign Associate, Microbiologists and Biomedical Engineers have emerged as top roles in fresher hiring
•  DevOps, Corporate Finance, Artificial Intelligence, and Project Management are domain skills in high demand.
•  Some top-rated soft skills include Negotiation and Persuasive Skills, Cognitive Flexibility, Curiosity/Continual Learning, and Emotional Intelligence.

The top three industries with the most robust Intent to hire freshers are Information Technology (67%), Ecommerce & Technology Start-ups (52%) and Telecommunications (51%). Amongst the Tier I cities, Bangalore comes at the top with maximum openings for freshers at 75%, closely followed by Mumbai (56%) and Delhi (47%). Degree and certification in DevOps, Supply Chain Management, Data Engineering, Business and Corporate Law are a few in-demand courses solicited by prospective employers.

The full report is available here

On the report’s release, Founder & CEO TeamLease EdTech, Mr Shantanu Rooj, said, “Even in the face of a global muted sentiments around team hiring, a large number of Indian employers have expressed their intention to hire freshers; some to create a long term supply channel whereas others to replace their expensive resources with fresh trainable talents. Whereas this is good news for fresh graduates coming out from universities, we shall be watchful of the intention translating to actual hiring in the coming months.”

Neeti Sharma, President & Co-Founder TeamLease Edtech, added, “It’s interesting to see positive hiring sentiments for freshers amidst global turbulence and whispers of economic winter. As aspiring graduates and freshers, the key here is to identify the industries that demonstrate an optimistic view and the job skills that would have good demand in the future. Now is the time for job seekers to acquaint themselves with current market trends and invest in the right skills and courses to improve their chances of landing their first jobs”.