31st May 2023  Road safety continues to be a major developmental issue, a public health concern and a leading cause of death and injury across the world. At least one out of 10 people killed on roads across the world is from India, according to the world health Organization. International Zinc Association, a non-profit organization representing the global zinc industry by promoting zinc’s-essentiality in sectors like Infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and automobiles. They are working closely with government and industry leaders from across sectors on identifying Black Spots on National Highways and how to raise awareness about key measures that can effectively mitigate road accidents.

As per online data, During the year 2021, a total number of 4,12,432 road accidents have been reported in the country, claiming 1,53,972 lives, and causing injuries to 3,84,448 persons. Unfortunately, the worst affected age group in Road accidents is 18-45 years, which accounts for about 67 per cent of total accidental deaths. Amongst the States, Tamil Nadu with 55,682 accidents(13.5 %) recorded the highest number of road accidents in 2021 followed by Madhya Pradesh (48, 877 i.e. 11.8%).

Road Accidents can be addressed with multiple approaches that include factors such as driver education, infrastructure improvements, traffic regulations, and enforcement, among others. Zinc as an individual might not directly reduce road accidents, however, it is worth noting that zinc plays a role in various aspects of vehicle safety and infrastructure maintenance, which indirectly contributes to reducing road accidents. Zinc effectively protects steel and iron structures from corrosion. Galvanizing road equipment and infrastructure with a zinc coating prevents rust and deterioration, extending their lifespan.

Rahul Sharma, Director India, International Zinc Association highlight, how by adopting a sustainable approach in construction and maintenance, we can create roadways that prioritize safety while minimizing environmental impact. Zinc in multiple ways can help ensure longevity and better-quality infrastructure.

For example, Zinc Oxide used in the manufacturing of tires, provides crucial properties such as heat resistance, durability, and improved traction. Zinc is also used in the production of brake pads and brake linings. It helps enhance the friction and heat resistance of these components, improving their performance and reducing stopping distances. Zinc-based paints and coatings are also commonly used for road markings and reflectors. These helps provide clear guidance to drivers. Zinc-based corrosion inhibitors are used in automotive paints and coatings to protect vehicle bodies from rust and corrosion.

Noida, 31st May 2023: Rannkly, India’s leading online reputation management platform, is proud to announce its remarkable growth and success in serving over 250+ renowned brands to date. With an impressive month-on-month traction, Rannkly has been adding approximately 200 new locations to its client user base every month. The hospitality sector has emerged as the driving force generating the highest traction for Rannkly. Going ahead, Rannkly envisions reaching a cumulative of 18,000 clients across various locations by the conclusion of the fiscal year 2023-2024.

Commenting on the successful growth of the brand Mr. Vishnu Sharma – Chief Executive Officer, Rannkly said “In today’s digital landscape, managing one’s online reputation is no longer a choice but a necessity. It is the cornerstone of success in building trust, credibility and fostering meaningful connections with customers. This understanding has fueled Rannkly’s journey in setting a new benchmark in online reputation management, resulting in remarkable achievements. Serving over 250+ renowned brands is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional value and empowering businesses to enhance their online presence and reputation.”

Rannkly offers a comprehensive suite of services that have proven instrumental in establishing successful partnerships with clients across various industries. With a particular focus on the hospitality and Food & Beverage industry, Rannkly provides tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of businesses in these sectors. These include a centralized Single Dashboard for managing multiple platforms and locations, enabling streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency. Rannkly’s innovative Automated Response system, powered by Artificial Intelligence and Templates, ensures businesses can engage with their customers in a timely and personalized manner, resulting in an elevated customer experience.

Notably, Rannkly’s Competitors Analysis service equips businesses with valuable insights to stay ahead of the competition, while the Official WhatsApp Integration facilitates seamless communication with customers. Rannkly’s services extend to database generation, digitalized menus, feedback mechanisms, and running campaigns through the WhatsApp channel, all of which foster enhanced customer engagement and satisfaction. Moreover, Rannkly leverages its AI capabilities to generate compelling social media content, further streamlining marketing efforts for businesses in these sectors.

“Rannkly understands the vital importance of online reputation management, and we are committed to providing innovative solutions that empower businesses to take control of their online narrative. With our expertise and cutting-edge technology, we enable brands to shape their digital presence, cultivate a positive reputation, and thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Rannkly is proud to be the driving force behind the success stories of numerous brands, and we remain committed to leading the way in online reputation management” added Mr. Vishnu Sharma.

Specifically for the hospitality industry, Rannkly offers Automated Ticketing capabilities, simplifying the process of handling customer inquiries and requests. Rannkly’s unwavering dedication to delivering innovative and highly effective solutions for online reputation management has propelled its sustained growth and garnered noteworthy recognition within the industry. The platform remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional value and unwavering support to its ever-expanding client base, empowering businesses to elevate their online presence and fortify their reputation with confidence.

Bengaluru,31st May 2023Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC), India’s largest and most preferred operator of senior living communities, has announced a strategic partnership with Portea, the leading out-of-hospital healthcare brand in India. This partnership brings together two leading service providers of the country with complementary services that will enable senior residents of CPC to avail specialised medical care and attention in the comfort of their homes.

For Columbia Pacific Communities, high-quality healthcare for its residents in the safety of their homes has always been of utmost priority, particularly since the pandemic. The partnership will allow CPC’s residents to get priority access to Portea’s home healthcare services at discounted rates; equally, it will allow Portea to expand its reach to a wider segment of the elderly population. The partnership will empower both brands to leverage each other’s strengths towards serving seniors better.

Portea, which has its footprint across 40+ cities in India, will serve all 10 communities of Columbia Pacific Communities across Bangalore, Chennai, Puducherry, Coimbatore and Kancheepuram.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohit Nirula, Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Pacific Communities said, “We are excited about this partnership with Portea as it is aimed at providing the best healthcare services to our senior residents. High-quality healthcare access for our senior residents within the comfort and safety of their homes continues to be the top goal of Columbia Pacific Communities. The families of the residents can be assured knowing that their loved ones are getting the best medical care and attention available. With Portea’s expertise and resources, our residents will have access to world-class and round-the-clock medical services which will enhance the quality of care we provide to them. With this partnership, we are extending our brand philosophy of positive ageing and reaffirming our commitment to helping seniors live a healthy, happy and a fuller life.”

Commenting on the new association, Vaibhav Tewari, Co-founder and CEO Portea, said “Our strategic partnership with Columbia Pacific Communities will enable us to expand our reach and offer our healthcare services to a captive audience of senior residents of CPC. This is a unique market segment with specific healthcare requirements, and Portea’s home healthcare services can provide a customised solution to meet the needs of senior residents. By leveraging and combining CPC and Portea’s gamut of offerings and best-in-class professionals, we can achieve unrivalled healthcare services for seniors in the communities.”

Portea will offer a dedicated health manager to residents of Columbia Pacific Communities and the services will be offered at discounted rates, guided by quarterly engagement calendars. The services provided will include nursing attendant, nursing care, physiotherapy, doctor visits, lab sample collection, and medical equipment (rental and sale). Senior residents suffering from chronic illnesses will benefit the most from Portea’s trained team of medical professionals who will offer personalised and timely medical attention. This association will add value to the residents of Columbia Pacific Communities by providing them medical care and convenience.

The online healthcare industry in India is growing at a CAGR of over 27% and will be valued at INR 485 billion by 2024. Senior living communities are increasingly becoming a preferred choice for senior citizens across the country for the holistic health and wellness facilities and programmes they offer. Columbia Pacific Communities is committed to making seniors age positively and make them live healthier for longer with its single-minded focus on healthcare. Through this partnership with one of the country’s leading online healthcare platforms, it will make primary healthcare more accessible and affordable for its residents.

India,31st May 2023 Anthill Ventures, a leading global venture capital firm and speed-scaling ecosystem, announces the launch of a new cohort for its Lumos Health program. The Lumos Health program is designed for startups with disruptive solutions and health technologies. With a focus on high-impact verticals such as oncology, fertility, maternal health, genomics, cutting edge diagnostic, digital health and longevity.

The Lumos Health program will provide startups with access to Anthill’s global network of investors, mentors, and industry experts, as well as a range of resources designed to help startups grow their businesses. The program has also established new partnerships with the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation, Kauvery Hospitals, DERBI Foundation and Makers Nest, providing startups with access to a total of 51 hospitals across the country through partners. Startups will be provided with enhanced opportunities, including access to state-of-the-art wet lab facilities, invaluable clinical validation support, and comprehensive evaluation of their market-ready solutions. The program is also supported by partner HealthCare Global (HCG), India’s largest cancer care provider.

The Lumos Health program will also support startups on regulatory processes, funding advice, and market access. Each selected startup will be matched with “speed-scalers”. The clinical speed-scalers will help startups through clinical validation and regulatory support. While business speed-scalers will help startups strengthen their business model, GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy, and access to the market. Startups will also get access to the larger network and up to $1M worth of infrastructure support.

Prasad Vanga, Founder and Managing Partner of Anthill Ventures said, “As a global venture capital ecosystem, we recognize the immense potential of innovative startups to drive meaningful change and solve real-world problems. With the launch of the new cohort for our Lumos Health program, we are committed to providing startups with the resources and expertise they need to succeed, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and disruptors”.

Prof. (Dr.) Paul Salins, Managing Director, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation (MSMF) said, “Accelerate your startup’s growth with the game-changing ‘Speed Scale Your Startup’ program by Lumos Health from Anthill Ventures. I proudly endorse this program for its unwavering commitment to empowering startups. Lumos Health’s comprehensive support and strategic guidance have proven instrumental in scaling startups to new heights. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey. Embrace ‘Speed Scale Your Startup’ and unlock your venture’s true potential”.

The previous cohort run by Lumos Health performed excellently, with KroniKare raising their Series A round of funding and working with the government of Singapore to deploy an altered use case of their solution for COVID monitoring. Lumos Health has evaluated over 500 startups and 11 startups successfully qualified for their scaling programs. The program invites startups with breakthrough solutions, technology, and innovation for the healthcare industry, an established product market fit with customers, and a clear growth strategy. Interested startups can apply here.

Mumbai, 31st May 2023 Serentica Renewables, (“Serentica” or the “Company”), a decarbonization platform that seeks to accelerate the energy transition for energy-intensive industries, has been recognised as the “Renewable Energy Platform of the Year” in the Best Deals (South Asia) category at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2023.

Serentica won the “Renewable Energy Platform of the Year” award for emerging as one of the most promising renewable energy platforms, focused on decarbonisation of the Commercial & Industrial segment in India. With investment commitments worth $650 million from leading global investment firm – KKR, the company is geared up to install 4000 MW of renewable energy capacity that will aid clean energy delivery to large-scale industrial customers. In the medium term, Serentica’s vision is to supply over 40 billion units of clean energy annually and displace 37 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Commenting on the marquee award win, Pratik Agarwal, Director, Serentica Renewables, said, “This award is a recognition of our commitment to decarbonize the industrial sector in India. We believe that renewable energy is the key to a sustainable future, and Serentica is proud to be playing a vital role in making it a reality.”

Serentica has recently signed a new set of Power Delivery Agreements (PDAs) to deliver round-the-clock green energy to some of the leading industrial customers in India. Currently, it is in the process of developing solar and wind power projects across Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Once commissioned, these projects will supply 9 billion units of green energy every year, using the inter-state transmission network, thereby decarbonizing a large portion of the electricity consumption of large-scale industrial customers.

?The Asset’s annual Triple A recognition represents the industry’s most prestigious awards for banking, finance, treasury and capital markets. It has over two decades of experience in bestowing pre-eminent recognition on the organizations that have excelled in their respective industry.

Mumbai,31st May 2023 Senco Gold & Diamonds has announced that it became the first Qualified Jeweller from East India to import gold on India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) post ICEGATE integration. Senco Gold & Diamonds, which was notified as a Qualified Jeweller (QJ) by the IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority) in March 2023, is permitted to purchase Bullion Depository Receipt (BDR) on IIBX for import of gold and completed its first trade successfully where the BDR got settled within 30 minutes. With this Senco also became the first company from the East to trade Gold Mini 999 100 grams (gold bars of 999 purity) contract post-ICEGATE implementation.

India’s first International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) was launched in the GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in July 2022 to act as the Gateway for Bullion Imports into India, with an aim to channel through the exchange, all the bullion imports for domestic consumption.

Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway (ICEGATE), the national portal of Indian Customs, an interface between the trade users and the Customs Department and which acts as a hub for exchanging information with external trading partners involved in international trading was integrated with IIBX on May 10, 2023, thereby opening up the processes for exporters of jewelry to take advantage of competitive rates when importing gold through IIBX.

Mr. Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds, said, “The launch of IIBX was indeed an important reform which allowed qualified jewellers to import gold. Being one of the first companies to trade on the platform post ICEGATE implementation is an important milestone for us at Senco as we believe in staying ahead of the curve and importing gold through the platform gives us the advantage of price discovery and assurance of quality. We are happy that we could utilise the benefits provided by IIBX and are thankful to IFSCA, Customs authorities, Mr. Ashok Gautam and team IIBX”

 By Mr Harshvardhan Tibrewala, Director at Roha Realty.

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has experienced significant real estate growth over the years. This growth can be attributed to rapid urbanisation, a growing economy, infrastructure development, affordable housing, government initiatives, and foreign investment. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in India, Mumbai offers affordable housing options in suburban areas such as Chembur.

Chembur, a suburban neighbourhood in the eastern part of Mumbai, has emerged as one of the city’s most sought-after residential hotspots. Over the years, Chembur has undergone a significant transformation, making it an ideal location for homebuyers and investors. According to a report by a leading real estate consultancy, the average property prices in Chembur have increased by around 15-20% in the past five years.

This blog will explore what makes Chembur one of Mumbai’s residential hotspots.

Connectivity

Chembur is a well-connected neighbourhood in Mumbai and offers easy access to some of the city’s most important business districts, including Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Lower Parel, Andheri, and Navi Mumbai. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is also just a 20-minute drive from Chembur, making it a convenient location for frequent travellers.
Overall, Chembur’s excellent connectivity to these important business districts of Mumbai makes it a convenient location for businesses and professionals looking to establish a base in Mumbai.

Social Infrastructure

Chembur has a vibrant social infrastructure with nearby shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment options. Residents can enjoy dining at some of Mumbai’s best restaurants, including Cafe Mondegar, The Bombay Canteen, and Gondola. Shopping options include the K Star Mall, Cubic Mall, and Chembur Market, offering various shopping options to the residents.

The neighbourhood has several reputed schools and colleges, including the Institute of Chemical Technology, India’s premier engineering and research institute. Chembur also has several renowned hospitals and medical centres, providing residents with quality healthcare services.

Affordability

Another key factor contributing to Chembur’s popularity is its affordability. Compared to other premium neighbourhoods in Mumbai, Chembur offers a range of residential properties at more affordable prices, including apartments, villas, and bungalows. This affordability factor has attracted many middle-class families to Chembur, making it a preferred destination for homebuyers.

Open Spaces

Chembur is known for its greenery and open spaces, providing residents with a much-needed respite from the chaos of city life. The neighbourhood has several parks, including the Diamond Garden, Ambedkar Udyan, and Tansa Pipeline Garden, where residents can spend quality time with their families and friends. Chembur Gymkhana is a prestigious sports club in Mumbai with facilities for sports like swimming, tennis, and squash. The Bombay Presidency Golf Club is located near Chembur.

Real Estate Development

Chembur has witnessed significant development over the years, with several reputed builders and developers launching residential projects in the neighbourhood. Subhash Nagar and Tilak Nagar in Mumbai have several old societies that are being redeveloped, offering modern amenities and improved living conditions, making these prime locations more attractive for homebuyers and investors.

These projects offer world-class amenities, modern facilities, and premium finishes. Additionally, Chembur’s infrastructure and connectivity have played a crucial role in driving real estate development in the area.

Safety and Security

Chembur is considered a safe and secure neighbourhood with a low crime rate compared to other areas in Mumbai. The neighbourhood has several police stations and CCTV cameras, ensuring the safety and security of the residents.

Chembur has evolved from an industrial area to a premier real estate market

Chembur in Mumbai is a well-balanced neighbourhood that offers a perfect blend of social infrastructure, green spaces, open spaces, connectivity, and affordability. Chembur’s average rate per square foot has consistently increased over the past year, with the current average rate at Rs. 22,919 per square foot.

With its strategic location and excellent connectivity to different parts of Mumbai, Chembur has become the most sought-after destination in Mumbai and the central suburbs, offering its residents a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

Chembur in Mumbai is developing at an astounding rate, both socially and culturally, as people from all walks of life congregate here. As a significant real estate centre and a commercial launchpad for many businesses, Chembur has emerged as one of the city’s most attractive investment sites. These factors have made Chembur an attractive destination for home buyers and investors, driving its growth and development in the future.

Bangalore, 31st May 2023: Zoomcar, the leading marketplace for car sharing in emerging markets today announced that it now has 5 million+ guests and over 20,000 hosts in its community. Zoomcar with over 20,000 cars on its platform has covered over 2 billion+ kilometres and received plenty of testimonials from its cherished hosts.

Shashi Shekar from Bangalore became a host at Zoomcar after coming across a Facebook advertisement. The advertisement came at the right time, since Shashi, who was working in the automobile sector, had lost his job due to the pandemic. He decided to try earning an additional income and has now become a full-time host in Zoomcar with 4 cars in two years. “I had a Kia Seltos, a new model car with only two thousand kilometres driven at that time, so I decided to give it a try. Now, in a span of two years, I have four cars and plan to add six more by the end of this year. The best part of the Zoomcar platform is that I can see money coming in on a daily basis, which covers all my expenses, including household and family expenses. My financial health has improved, and I have more time to spend with my family. Zoomcar has truly made a positive impact on my life. One of my favorite features is the recently introduced performance dashboard, where I can track the performance and returns of my cars. I’m excited for more introductions from Zoomcar that will benefit both customers and hosts like me”.

Another host who is on Zoomcar, Jagdish Jawar, the owner of an Ayurvedic factory, discovered Zoomcar when he was looking to multiply his income. “I was looking for a safe and futuristic investment that would boost my profits. That’s when I discovered Zoomcar. My friend and I were searching for an opportunity where we could park our investment and earn high returns. Through a friend, we learned about the good business opportunity offered by Zoomcar. We met with some people at Zoomcar and decided to invest in one car. Currently, we have four cars – three Ertigas and one Ciaz – and we can see significant growth. Each car generates around 40,000 INR per month, so with four cars, we’re earning around 1.5 lakhs. We have plans to add more cars, but finding suitable parking facilities is our only obstacle. Based on the performance and data provided by Zoomcar assistance, we intend to add more seven-seaters and automatic cars, as Ertigas have been providing higher returns. Generally, everyone has a five-seater car at home, but when they want to travel with friends or family, a minimum of a seven-seater is required. Therefore, adding seven-seaters to the Zoomcar fleet makes perfect sense”.

Like Jagdish, Dr Nadim Khan, an Ayurvedic skin and hair specialist based in Bangalore, was seeking additional income to match the current cost of living, and decided to take a chance by becoming a host on Zoomcar. “I joined Zoomcar about a year ago after being referred by a friend. I became a Zoom host and now have two top-end diesel cars running on the platform. As you know, the cost of living in Bangalore is very high, so I decided to invest in Zoomcar as an alternate business to generate extra income and cover my daily expenses. My rating as a host is 4.8, and I always ensure that my car is clean, fuelled up, and all the accessories are in working condition to maintain this rating. I believe in providing good service to my guests, and I want to see my car listed on top in the Zoom host app”.

Finally, Vivian Vijay Spinto, a 26-year-old Banker from Mangalore, who discovered Zoomcar while looking for options to earn more, says that it is one of the best platforms for car hosts and those who wish to hire a car. “I work as a banker and have been considering multiple businesses to generate additional income apart from my banking job. I was planning to explore other businesses such as restaurants and other ventures, but I felt that Zoomcar was the best option. I started with one car as a trial and later added three more. Currently, I have four cars and plan to add more in the future. Zoomcar has provided me with a great opportunity and platform to earn additional income. I particularly appreciate features like the guest chat box and the performance calculation dashboard in the Zoomcar application. The guest chat box has been useful as guests have reached out to me for location information and any concerns they might have. I have been able to assist them by promptly responding to their messages. Additionally, the performance analysis dashboard allows me to track my revenue and set aside a portion for maintenance expenses. With the performance dashboard, I can monitor the revenue earned through Zoomcar and allocate a specific amount for expenses. This helps me determine the amount of revenue generated from the car at the end of the day or year. Being a Zoomcar host has been an excellent way for me to start earning a secondary income”.

Naveen Gupta, Country Head, Zoomcar India added “We are very happy to surpass this exciting milestone on our journey toward creating more economic empowerment for our hosts. Zoomcar offers over 1,000 unique SKUs in over 45 cities including transit points like airports and railway stations with a comprehensive portfolio of cars across categories – Hatchbacks, Sedans, MUVs, SUVs, EVs, and Luxury cars. As a platform, we’ve witnessed exceptional growth in the number of hosts using our platform and we expect this to grow even more as more car owners understand the economic benefits of hosting on Zoomcar. Our team continues to be focused on delivering delightful customer experiences for our hosts and guests on the Zoomcar platform”.

Mumbai, 31st May 2023South Indian Bank today unveiled its new branch at Mulund, Mumbai with the aim of expanding its reach and catering to the growing demand for banking services in the area. The launch is in line with the bank’s strategy to expand its operations and attract a larger customer base within the region and provide enhanced banking services.

The new branch also houses an ATM and will cater to the financial and banking needs of the business and working class residing in and around Mumbai’s northern suburbs. Mulund is a perfect blend of residential, retail, commercial, and industrial complexes, prudently warranting the need to set up a dedicated branch office of South Indian Bank. With the opening of this new branch, the bank has increased its branch count to 45 and ATMs to 46 in the Mumbai region, further solidifying its presence in the area.

The new branch was inaugurated by Mr. Murali Ramakrishnan, MD & CEO of South Indian Bank, and Mr. Kaivalya Shah, Director of Marathon Group, inaugurated the ATM.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Murali Ramakrishnan, MD & CEO, South Indian Bank said, “We are committed to delivering superior banking services to our customers and empowering them to meet their diverse financial needs. As a legacy bank with a robust presence in the southern region, we are in the midst of an ambitious expansion to fortify and broaden our business operations throughout India to outreach customers at every corner. Our objective is to extend our reach and cater to a diverse customer base, including the tech-savvy GenZs, as we strive to remain at the forefront of the evolving banking landscape.”

Additionally, in order to enhance customer experience, the Bandra branch of South Indian Bank has been relocated to Ground Floor, Chitrapur CHSL, D/1, 27th road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050. In addition to services such as branch banking services and access to various loan options, the customers will have the convenience of availing a locker facility for the safekeeping of their valuables.

31st May 2023Agartala – At a parents and teachers meeting held by Noida International University on Sunday at the Press Club in Agartala, Akash Sharma, the director, disclosed that many students from Tripura are enrolled at Noida International University in a variety of programs, including nursing, medicine, and BBA, and that placements are offering a 20 percent scholarship to all female students as part of the beti bachao, beti padhao program. Every student who applies for admission to the Noida International University with 95% grades will receive a 20% scholarship, the director assured. The information is available on the university’s website for any interested students.