Archives January 2024

HCLTech organizes holistic wellbeing program for employees

NOIDA, India, 19th January, 2024: HCLTech, a leading technology company, hosted BE WELL, an employee wellness program at its NOIDA campus from Jan. 10 to 12, 2024 with an aim to increase awareness among employees and encourage them to nurture holistic wellness.

The 3-day program provided employees a platform to explore ways to rejuvenate themselves with musical concerts, fitness challenges, therapeutic crafts, counselling sessions, guided meditation, aroma therapies, food stalls and more.

BE WELL was conducted by certified wellness professionals, counsellors, psychiatrists and trained experts in multiple healing disciplines to provide employees with guided, semi-guided and experiential outlooks to physical, psychological and relational wellbeing.

“At HCLTech, we are committed to the wellbeing of our employees. BE WELL is one of the many interventions by HCLTech to ensure that there is increased awareness on health and wellbeing amongst our employees and their families,” said Ramachandran Sundararajan, Chief People Officer, HCLTech.

The BE WELL program will also be conducted in HCLTech campuses in Lucknow, Chennai, Vijayawada, Madurai and Nagpur over the coming days.

Honoring Three Decades of Excellence in Industrial Heating Solutions, Subhot Enterprises

India’s Ghaziabad, January 19, 2024: Subhot Enterprises, a revolutionary company in the field of industrial heating solutions, celebrates 31 years since it was founded in 1993. As its main office is located in Ghaziabad, the company has been leading the way in providing excellent products and services. Subhot Enterprises was founded to offer an extensive selection of Industrial heaters, silicon heating pads, immersion oil heaters, and other innovative items. The business takes pleasure in providing efficient and prompt delivery while attending to the various needs of its customers.

Subhot Enterprises is a diverse corporation that engages in manufacturing, exporting, and providing services. The company has gained recognition and praise in the industry as a result of its dedication to quality and innovation.

Subhot Enterprises is owned by the visionary Dr. Subhash Gupta, who is also the Chairman of the Red Cross Society. “As we reflect on the past three decades, we are grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us,” stated Dr. Gupta in response to the milestone. Subhot Enterprises is still committed to social responsibility, innovation, and quality. We are eager to carry on with our mission of giving our cherished clientele unmatched solutions.” Representing the second generation, Dhawal Gupta has skillfully continued the history, fostering Subhot Enterprises’ ongoing expansion and prosperity.

Subhot Enterprises extends an invitation to all partners, clients, and stakeholders to join in commemorating this incredible accomplishment. The business thanks everyone for their support over the years and reiterates its dedication to providing high-quality goods and services.

Financial Planning For Retirement: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Planning for a comfortable retirement requires careful thought and smart choices. In India, there is no formal retirement benefit system, so people have to take responsibility for building their own retirement funds. Thankfully, with easy access to financial markets through online platforms like Shoonya by Finvasia, Zerodha, Upstox, Groww, and others, investors have different options to start investing. They can build a retirement portfolio using things like stocks, bonds, real estate, ETFs, mutual funds, and more.

Creating a retirement savings plan might seem tough, but it doesn’t have to be super complicated. To make it work, figure out what money goals you have, understand how much risk you’re comfortable with, spread your investments across different things, and regularly check and adjust your plan. By doing these things, you can make sure you have a comfortable and great retirement. Let’s explore some simple strategies and ways to invest that can help you build a solid retirement fund.

First Things First: Goals, Risk Tolerance, And Diversification

Identifying financial goals is the first crucial step of building a retirement portfolio. It involves envisioning the kind of retirement a person seeks, be it modest or luxurious. The next step is to assess one’s risk tolerance, that is, determining how much volatility and risk an investor is willing to accept while aiming for high returns, and in the world of investing, high returns come with high risks. Having said that, the key to achieving a strong retirement portfolio entails diversification.

The foundation for long-term success, diversification involves investing across various asset classes such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and commodities. Eliminating reliance on a single investment or sector, diversification can provide a cushion against market volatility, enabling investors to make the most out of their investments post-retirement.

3 Investment Vehicles: Mutual Funds, Bonds & ETFs

Mutual Funds: Mutual funds capture the essence of diversification, as investments are spread across asset classes like equities and debt. These are managed by professional fund managers with expertise in analysing, monitoring and fine-tuning portfolios to strategically position investments for growth. Providing seamless liquidity, mutual funds such as Equity-Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) offer tax exemptions, allowing investors to build a retirement corpus effectively. Mutual funds can additionally provide access to a range of sectors and industries, increasing chances of high returns and even outpacing inflation. Flexible and simplified investment options also make mutual funds a go-to option for many investors, with transparency, accountability, and disclosure norms regulated by a strong framework governed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Investing in mutual funds is highly convenient, as they do not require a demat account.

Bonds: Investing money involves lending money to the issuer, and bonds can provide a fixed source of income in the form of interest payments. Diversification is yet another crucial feature making bonds an effective retirement income source, while ensuring preservation of capital as bonds are usually backed by collateral or government agencies. The market for bonds are stable, and they can provide tax-free income, or come with a lower tax liability than other options, such as stocks. Today, technology-driven platforms like Shoonya by Finvasia enable investors to invest in bonds with lifetime zero-brokerage.

Exchange-Traded Funds: ETFs have a lower expense ratio than mutual funds, and are more cost-efficient, while involving reduced impact of market volatility due to diversified investments. They also offer flexible trading for retirees to buy and sell as needed, and can include inflation-fighting assets that fight purchasing power erosion. They are also great for passive investors who want to ensure returns in the long-run. For constructing an ETF portfolio, thorough research is required, and consulting with a financial advisor can be beneficial.

Conclusion

With the knowledge of individual financial situations, goals, risk tolerance, and various investment options, financial planning for retirement can be achieved by inexperienced and seasoned investors alike. Maintaining disciplined portfolio management, consulting a financial advisor, along with adopting a balanced approach at investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs can ensure a comfortable retirement.

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NCM Investment Secures SCA Category 1 License in the UAE, Expanding its Regional Footprint in the Middle East

NCM Investment Secures SCA Category 1 License in the UAE, Expanding its Regional Footprint in the Middle EastNCM Investment Company KSCC “NCM”an award winning broker and prominent player in the Middle East’s online trading industry, is proud to announce that it has been granted a Category 1 license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority “SCA”.

The granting of a Category 1 license represents a significant milestone and major step forward for NCM, demonstrating the Group’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services to its clientsand solidifying  its leadership position in the Middle East.

NCM is a key holding of Eshraq Investments’ Goldilocks Fund, which acquired a 51% majority stake in 2022. The granting of the SCA Category 1 license is directly supportive of Eshraq’s philosophy of investing in highly attractive and innovative regional assets that demonstrate compelling growth potential, with the Goldilocks Fund’s mandate to invest inundervalued companies thatit believes are intrinsically mispriced, and will generate competitive and consistent long-term returns -including in the region’s burgeoning Financial Services and Tech sectors.

NCM has played a pioneering role in the industry and always endeavored to empower the trading community by delivering innovative digital solutions and providing access to diverse investment opportunities within a safe, secure and transparent trading environment.

NCM’s founder-led management team has an impressive track record of driving global expansion, and has long embedded a culture of working closely and constructively with regulators.  The SCA Category 1 license enables the launch of regulated operations in the UAE, which is a key strategic step and supports the Group in pivoting and accelerating its global growth aspirations, widening its geographic footprint in regulated jurisdictions. NCM already operates in  Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey and Malaysia.

Commenting on the awarding of the license NCM Co-founder and Vice Chairman Naser Al Marri said:

“The granting of our SCA Category 1 license, which marks NCM’s expansion into the UAE, and the opening of our new offices in Dubai, area testament to our commitment to the region. We are focused on delivering the highest industry standards and committed to providing  safeand regulated access to international financial markets. This license enables NCM to expand its range of investment opportunities, underscoring its commitment to fostering an environment of complete trust and transparency. We remain committed to our mission to empower the trading community with innovative and trustworthy solutions, whilst also unlocking new opportunities in financial markets.”

NCM Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer Khurram Sayeed commented:

“Our SCA Category 1 license is a recognition of NCM’s strong track-record and significant accomplishments over the years. The license represents an important milestone in our growth journey, and is aligned with our focus on expanding investment horizons and delivering exceptional client services. NCM’s commitment to developing innovative products, coupled with its competitive pricing and trusted reputation in the market are key contributors to our success story. We are extremely proud of this achievement and remain focused on enhancing and diversifying our services across key markets, most of which represent significant future growth opportunities as we provide clients with a dynamic, secure and transparent platform.”

GEM Enviro Management and Mamaearth Recycle 7500+ Metric Tons, Achieving Plastic Neutrality

GEM Enviro Management and Mamaearth Recycle 7500+ Metric Tons, Achieving Plastic NeutralityDelhi, 19th January 2024: GEM Enviro Management Limited, a forefront Waste Management company dedicated to fostering a sustainable future and supporting brands in adopting eco-friendly practices, proudly announces the successful recycling of 7500+ metric tons of plastic on behalf of Mamaearth, the flagship brand of Honasa Consumer Limited. This joint endeavour has enabled Mamaearth to attain plastic neutrality, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to environmental responsibility.

GEM Enviro’s proactive strategy entails the strategic implementation of cutting-edge recycling solutions nationwide. Under this collaboration, GEM Enviro is spearheading the collection of Rigid, Flexible, and MLP plastic waste nationwide for Honasa Consumer Limited (Mamaearth), directing it to registered Plastic Waste Processing Facilities (PWPFs) for recycling. This progressive initiative aims to redirect gathered plastic away from initial collection points, mitigating the harmful effects on oceans and landfills. The collaboration is dedicated to addressing the plastic waste crisis through inventive solutions, promoting a circular economy mindset.

In addition to these pivotal efforts, GEM Enviro has conducted over 100+ sustainability awareness activities. This holistic approach underscores the commitment to not only efficiently managing plastic waste but also initiating widespread awareness to drive sustainable change. In line with Mamaearth’s Plastic Positive mission, the company has effectively managed to recycle 7500+ metric tons of plastic waste. Mamaearth, recognized as India’s fastest-growing toxin-free personal care brand, has been in collaboration with GEM Enviro since 2018 to drive forward this crucial sustainability initiative.

Offering a spectrum of services, including EPR (Plastic, E-Waste, Battery, Tyre), ESG Consulting (Environment, Social, and Governance), BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting), and Project Advisory and management for Plastic Credits, GEM Enviro is committed to assisting Mamaearth in implementing a comprehensive waste management program, consumer education and awareness and thereby achieving complete plastic circularity. This aligns with the objective of becoming a plastic-neutral organization and fulfilling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and subsequent amendments.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Sachin Sharma, Founder and Director, GEM Enviro Management Limited said, “Our partnership with Mamaearth marks a transformative step in reshaping our approach to plastic pollution. Together, we are committed to creating a sustainable, plastic-neutral ecosystem by pioneering innovative solutions, redirecting plastic from landfills, and championing a circular economy. This collaboration showcases our dedication to a greener future, where responsible waste management is fundamental to our shared values.

Anuja Mishra, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Honasa Consumer (parent company of Mamaearth) said, “At Mamaearth, our commitment to creating a positive impact has always been guided by environmental consciousness. We employ effective strategies to address waste challenges, and our Plastic Positive initiative in partnership with GEM ENVIRO has enhanced our ability to broaden this impact. This ensures that our dedication to sustainable practices is not only reflected in our products but also in our waste management approach”.

GEM Enviro collaborates with over 200 brands, including multinational and Indian companies like Bisleri International Private Limited, Coca-Cola India Pvt Ltd, Jk Lakshmi Cement, Bajaj Consumer Care Limited, Huwai Telecommunication, and government-owned organizations like National Fertilizers Limited (Miniratna Company) and Kribhco Fertilizers Limited, fulfilling their waste management and EPR obligations.

GIIS Lawa Nagpur Celebrates Triumph at ‘Zenith’ Annual Sports Day

GIIS Lawa Nagpur Celebrates Triumph at ‘Zenith’ Annual Sports Day19th January 2024: GIIS Lawa Nagpur held its much-anticipated and first- ever Annual Sports Day- ‘Zenith’, with great fervor and enthusiasm. The event witnessed a total of 100+ participants, along with a staggering 250+ audience, making it a grand success. The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr. Pradeep Nilkanthrao Keche, an inspiring sports leader, who was invited as the chief guest for the day.

The event kicked off with a keynote from the chief guest followed by a spectacular march past and torch run that symbolized the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. The participants showcased their agility and coordination through mesmerizing aerobics performances. The highlight of the day was the thrilling races that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The event concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, where the winners were felicitated for their outstanding performances.

Ms. Nidhi Gupta, Principal of Global Indian International School, Lawa Nagpur, expressed her delight at the successful commencement of the sports day, she added, “Sports play a crucial role in shaping the holistic development of our students. I commend the efforts of all participants and organizers for making the ‘Zenith-The Annual Sports Day of GIIS Nagpur’- a truly memorable event. Let’s continue to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among our students.”

The entire event held at the school campus, spanning over 6.5 acres, boasts of a world-class sporting facility that played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. The state-of-the-art infrastructure includes a 200-meter running track, football field, basketball court, badminton court, and lawn tennis court, providing students with ample opportunities to hone their skills and excel in various sports disciplines.

Mr. Pradeep Nilkanthrao Keche, the esteemed president of the Shark Aquatic Association, is known as a highly regarded figure in the world of sports. He was mesmerized by the entire event and said, “I am thrilled to see the dedication and talent on display at the Annual Sports Day of Global Indian International School, Nagpur. Keep pursuing your passion for sports with dedication and perseverance – the rewards are worth it! Kudos to GIIS Nagpur for nurturing young talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

As the curtains drew on ‘Zenith’ – GIIS Nagpur’s Annual Sports Day, it left behind a trail of unforgettable memories and instilled a renewed zeal for sports among the students. The complete event perfectly embodies the core values of the school, where a curriculum designed with fun and happy elements makes learning highly productive and enjoyable for the students.

With ‘Zenith – The Annual Sports Day of GIIS Nagpur’ not only promoted physical fitness and healthy competition but also fostered creativity and innovation, in line with the school’s belief that success in today’s contemporary world relies not just on aptitude, but also on creativity. The 9 GEMS pedagogy at GIIS Nagpur ensures a truly innovative program that uses an age-appropriate and adaptive approach to allow students to evolve as they grow, reflecting the holistic approach to education that the school is committed to providing. The school’s unwavering support for sports and extracurricular activities continues to be a cornerstone of its educational philosophy, setting a benchmark for others to emulate.

Mantra Magnus is redefining luxury at Mundhwa Junction

Mantra Magnus

MUMBAI, 19th January 2024: Mantra, a leader in premium real estate, is proud to announce the overwhelming success of their latest luxury offering, Mantra Magnus, located at the prime location of Mundhwa Junction. With the recent two-day allotment event, Mantra Magnus has set a new benchmark in modern urban living.

Mantra Magnus has reimagined residence and makes a luxurious lifestyle statement for Pune’s dynamic and ambitious professionals. Inspired by the concept of “Life Vridhi Bhava” – symbolizing continuous growth in life – the project beautifully intertwines luxury with functionality. The architectural marvel boasts state-of-the-art amenities, sprawling green spaces, and a design that speaks to the heart of urban living.

The 2-day allotment event witnessed an extraordinary response with over 160 customers and numerous walk-ins. The highlight was the complete sell-out of the 2 BHK apartments, starting from INR 86.99 lakhs, which were oversubscribed by nearly 50% at the Expression of Interest stage. The event’s second day saw the sale of the majority of the 3 BHK units (priced from INR 1.15 crore) and duplex units (starting from INR 1.38 crore), with the project achieving sales of over INR 150 crores.

Spread across an expansive area, Mantra Magnus offers over 200 luxury units, each designed to cater to the lifestyle needs of young and dynamic professionals, particularly those in the IT, Banking and finance sectors. The target audience, primarily young married couples with children, found the 3 BHK and duplex units perfectly aligned with their aspirations for an upgraded lifestyle.

Mr. Rohit Gupta CEO at Mantra said “Mantra Magnus witnessed an unprecedented demand for luxury living. We’ve crafted each aspect with the vision of ‘Life Vridhi Bhava’, ensuring that our residents thrive in the extraordinary luxurious experience. The response at the allotment event reemphasises the trust and aspiration Mantra Magnus has ignited among Pune’s discerning professionals and prospective homebuyers.”

Mantra Magnus has set a new standard in luxury with its pricing strategy. The 2 BHK units, now completely sold out, were available from INR 86.99 lakhs. The 3 BHK and duplex units are available from INR 1.15 crore and INR 1.38 crore onwards, respectively, with many units already sold out.

News18 Tamil Nadu’s exclusive interview with Udhayanidhi Stalin delves into state’s political course

News18 Tamil Nadu

19Th January 2024: News18 Tamil Nadu is set to broadcast an exclusive interview with Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s Sports Minister and key political figure, on the 18th of January at 8.00 PM. The interview delves deep into critical political aspects, providing viewers with unique perspectives on alliances, leadership, and the trajectory of Tamil Nadu’s political identity in the upcoming years.

In the interview, Udhayanidhi shares his views on the organic nature of the DMK alliance, contrasting it with what he perceives as a transactional relationship between AIADMK and BJP. He also sheds light on the party’s commitment to standing by its ministers during challenging times, citing A Raja’s legal exoneration as an example.

Addressing rumors of his potential elevation to Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi clarifies such information as mere speculation, emphasizing his focus on the party’s strategy ahead of elections. Additionally he’s given his point of view about Ayodhya consecration event. He also outlines the DMK’s objective of reclaiming State rights, which will be a central discussion at the upcoming Youth Wing Conference named ‘Maanila Urimai Meetpu Maanadu.’

The interview also provides insights into Udhayanidhi’s discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on matters such as the Khelo India games and the pursuit of financial aid for flood disaster relief.

Don’t miss this exclusive and insightful interview on News18 Tamil Nadu, scheduled for broadcast o

Founders from BITS Pilani Transition to Delivery Boys

Founders from

19th January 2024 Homified, a cutting-edge tech-driven Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brand, is redefining the delivery experience by having its Founders personally handle product deliveries.

By entrusting the delivery by the founders, Homified assures customers that their products arrive securely and promptly, epitomizing the brand’s commitment to trustworthiness and dependable service. The founders’ direct interactions during deliveries have provided valuable insights into customer preferences and lifestyles. In one instance, an elderly couple welcomed the Homified team for tea, sparking a meaningful conversation about the brand and its offerings. This personal connection exemplifies Homified’s aim to build genuine relationships beyond mere transactions. Furthermore, all abandoned cart follow-up calls are being conducted by the core founding team.

“We view every delivery as an opportunity to connect and build trust with our customers,” says Varun Chopra, Co-founder of Homicide. “Our hands-on approach enables us to understand our customers better, addressing their unique needs and concerns.”

Further, Homified has recently partnered with Zippee, a move that promises swift nationwide product deliveries within the impressive timeframe of 4-6 hours. This strategic alliance is poised to significantly alleviate consumer friction, marking a notable enhancement in the overall customer experience.

“Our power banks are utilised by travellers of all kinds, including business corporates, cultural connoisseurs, and international travellers. Our Magnet Charge and Mini-Chargers address the pressing need to keep phones constantly charged, alleviating concerns about battery life. We are taking strategic steps to gradually build a community around travellers and cater to their needs. Simultaneously, many of our customers are delving deeply into smart-tech products” says Shivam K, Co-founder of Homified.

Homified’s commitment to personalized and timely service goes beyond delivering products; it signifies their dedication to ensuring every customer feels valued. This approach has garnered praise, fostering reliability and trust in the brand.

ManipalCigna Health Insurance continues to expand its footprint in Odisha with its strong multi-channel distribution network and multi-product offerings

ManipalCigna Health

Bhubaneshwar,19th January 2024 – ManipalCigna, one of the fastest-growing standalone health insurance company, is actively enhancing its footprint in Odisha and Eastern India. The company is dedicated to providing innovative and customized health insurance solutions to address the diverse health challenges faced by different customer segments in Odisha and provide them with lifelong access to quality healthcare.

Leveraging its expertise in health insurance, ManipalCigna Health Insurance has seen steady growth in the eastern region. The Company has a network of close to 1000 hospitals in the Eastern region, out of the 9,000+ pan-India hospitals across the country. To further strengthen its presence and serve the patients in Eastern India, in 2023 Manipal Hospitals also acquired stakes in AMRI (Advanced Medical Research Institute) Hospitals. This makes Manipal Hospitals the largest hospital chain in eastern India to effectively address the growing demand for high-quality tertiary and quaternary healthcare in Eastern India.

Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, said, “The Odisha state grapples with a significant 27.19% prevalence of major Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, diabetes, respiratory ailments, digestive diseases and neurological disorders. This percentage surpasses the national average of 11.63%, as revealed in a study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). In response to the rising healthcare incidences and escalating treatment costs, ManipalCigna has been steadfast in offering tailored health insurance products to meet the unique health needs of Odisha’s residents. With product solutions like ManipalCigna Lifetime Health we offer customers many innovative features to facilitate their unique healthcare needs. This product, known for affordability and high sum insured coverage, offers a well-rounded defense against life’s unprecedented circumstances.”

Desai further added, “As a health insurance expert, ManipalCigna Health Insurance saw a robust growth from the eastern region. The Company has garnered 38% gross written premium (GWP) growth in the financial year 22-23 and we expect our business to double in the next 2 years in the eastern region. We have close to 8,000 advisors, major partners present in around 1500 point of sales locations across the region through distribution network, and 12 branch offices in Eastern India. As part of our expansion plan, we aim to launch new branch offices and plan to hire more employees and agents for East push in FY24.

Odisha is a crucial market for ManipalCigna Health Insurance, and the Company is committed to offering affordable solutions, increasing penetration of health insurance and providing its customers with easy and lifetime access to quality healthcare. For more information on ManipalCigna Health Insurance’s product portfolio of offerings, please visit the official website: https://www.manipalcigna.com/health-insurance