Archives October 2024

Bringing the biggest festive event to Faridabad, World Street by Omaxe hosted a spectacular musical concert featuring Punjabi music sensations Parmish Verma and Sunanda Sharma. As part of its Diwali Carnival, the electrifying concert drew around 12000 fans from every corner of Delhi-NCR. The venue buzzed with unmatched energy and excitement as the singers performed the popular Punjabi hits, resulting in a houseful show that resonated with attendees and amplified the festive spirit.

With a weekend footfall of around 45000 visitors throughout the Diwali Carnival, World Street by Omaxe emerged as Faridabad’s biggest festive destination for entertainment, shopping, and leisure. With a variety of activities designed for all age groups, the carnival turned out to be a phenomenal success, raising the bar for festive gatherings in the city.

Mr. Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group, said, “With a winning combination of musical concert and festive shopping, the event brought families and friends together in joyous celebration, setting new records and redefining the festive experience for the region. The event continued positioning World Street by Omaxe as the iconic destination for socializing, shopping, entertainment, and experiencing spectacular concerts here in Faridabad. Amid the increasing footfall in the region, World Street by Omaxe underscores our commitment to delivering the best retail experience to the community. Therefore, we look ahead to hosting even larger and more exciting events and bringing more popular icons to World Street by Omaxe.”

The event drew people of all ages, many of whom travelled across Faridabad and nearby cities, to join the celebration. “I’ve been in Faridabad for a long time, and this concert was a historic moment for Faridabad”, expressed Ravinder Singh, a local resident.

Another attendee, Priya Malhotra, added, “Parmish and Sunanda’s performances were incredible; the atmosphere was magical. This was by far the best event Faridabad has ever seen.”

As Faridabad enters a new era of retail, World Street by Omaxe is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure. Spanning 130 acres in Sector 79, Faridabad, World Street by Omaxe brings the essence and aesthetics of the world’s famous shopping streets from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Athens, and Portugal.

Ofis Square, India’s leading coworking and managed workspace solutions provider, is thrilled to announce a game-changing partnership with Shraddha Kapoor, the second most followed Indian on Instagram, as the first-ever celebrity brand ambassador in the coworking industry.

With its fitting tagline, “Future Works Here,” Ofis Square breaks the mold by welcoming a Bollywood celebrity as its brand ambassador in the flexible workspace sector. This may be the start of a revolution in order to redefine how flexible workspaces in India are perceived and marketed.

Speaking on this occasion, Ofis Square’s Promoter, Mrs. Saroj Mittal expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Shraddha Kapoor to the Ofis Square community! Her journey as an accomplished actress and influential personality resonates with the spirit of innovation that defines Ofis Square.”

“While celebrities have traditionally endorsed commercial and glamorous industries, we aim to break stereotypes and bring coworking into the mainstream through this partnership. With her support, we aim to deepen our market reach, empowering India’s entrepreneurs and startups as we establish our brand as a frontrunner in this fast-evolving workspace industry,” adds Saroj Ji, also a Philanthropist and Humanitarian.

Shraddha Kapoor shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am thrilled and proud to represent Ofis Square, one of India’s most vibrant workspaces. As an artist myself, it is indeed inspiring to see how Ofis Square stands out as a place where creators and entrepreneurs can truly thrive with access to spaces designed to inspire and empower.” She added, “I hope I can bring my energy and passion to this brand. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for India’s ambitious business community.”

The leading flexible workspace provider promises to revolutionise the very concept of coworking. The move, perhaps for the first time, marks a paradigm shift in the flexible workspace sector and underlines Ofis Square’s ambitious vision to redefine the future of work. In light of this association, Ofis Square is also set for an aggressive expansion, with plans to roll out an impressive 10 million square feet of workspace across India in the next few years.

In a soaring Indian economy, it will be exciting to see how Ofis Square, with Shraddha Kapoor as the new face of the brand, pushes the envelope in the coworking sector. This collaboration will indeed bring a wave of fresh energy to the market.

Bhopal, 28th October, 2024: Kraken Café culinary lounge is a unique modern concept in the city of Bhopal. An offtrack, chill zone to hang out and refresh. A unique platform especially curated for you to hang loose from the daily over packed schedule of life. Reboot, reinvent and reenergise.

Speaking at the launch event, businessman and owner of Kraken Café culinary launch Eeshan Shukla said “I conceptualised and curated a unique go to escape zone, taking a clean break with a whole bouquet of reasons – Impromptu urge to chill, to party or take just yourself out. I sincerely hope that my gift to the people of Bhopal just before Diwali is liked and patronised.” Eeshan Shukla is a writer and a Chef, who has received the National Bal Shree honour for excelling in the field of creative writing.

Being a culinary lounge, the food creation here is at international standards with exclusive Continental, Indian and Asian cuisine at their next in class versions. The interiors have been created to welcome customers into a warm, friendly and relaxed confines. The aromatic coffee brewed here goes well with a choice of accompaniments including the signature freshly baked high flavour Kraken chocolate chip cookies. Often when you enter Kraken Café culinary lounge you are greeted with these chill zone aromas that make you want to go into a mode of reboot and refresh.

Given his passion and flair in the culinary domain, Eeshan has opened Kraken Cafe culinary lounge in the Neelbad area of Bhopal. “Kraken Café culinary lounge is not just another restaurant and bar. It’s a get away to hang out with your friends. We even have restricted indoor games and even a library.” “Eeshan Shukla added “Kraken is pleasantly experiential but a word of caution, highly addictive!”

Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados and a range of fresh fruit, is proud to announce the arrival of its first-ever container of South African Hass avocados in India, which arrived on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the company’s export efforts and the broader South African avocado industry.

This accomplishment comes after the finalisation of a long-awaited phytosanitary agreement between South Africa and India, the result of years of dedicated work to open this promising new market. The shipment, which arrived in time to meet the growing demand in India, is a testament to Westfalia’s commitment to expanding its global reach.

The geographical proximity of Africa to India provides South African avocados a competitive advantage over Latin American origins, which face longer transit times. India, a rapidly growing fruit market, offers excellent opportunities for South Africa, particularly during the April to October period.

Zac Bard, Business Development Executive at Westfalia Fruit, commented on this historic milestone, and said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of our first shipment of South African Hass avocados to the India market. This achievement highlights our dedication to expanding our global footprint and delivering top-quality produce to new markets. We look forward to establishing a strong presence in India and strengthening the ties between our two countries. Supplies of high-quality, large-sized Hass avocados from South Africa to India, will complement our supply abilities from other sourcing origins.”

South Africa is coming to the end of the 2024 supply season. “This shipment allows Westfalia Fruit to ensure that we land a quality product in the market, that complies with the requirements set out in the import protocol for India. We can then confidently scale up shipments in the 2025 season with a solid campaign that can support the growing consumption in India, Bard added. East Africa, which has faced logistical challenges with shipping to Europe due to the Suez Canal closure, and Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly focusing their efforts on eastern markets which will ensure that there is sufficient supply from all African sources to meet growing demand in the Middle East, India and Far Eastern markets.

While India is currently a much smaller avocado market compared to Europe, it holds immense potential for growth. Westfalia Fruit remains committed to leveraging this opportunity to further solidify South Africa’s position in the global avocado market, ensuring a steady supply of premium-quality avocados to Indian consumers.

Ajay TG, General Manager at Westfalia Fruit India, commented: “This first shipment to India marks an exciting new chapter for Westfalia as we continue to broaden our global presence. India’s growing interest in avocados presents a significant opportunity, and we are eager to build strong partnerships within the market. With our focus on quality and sustainability, we look forward to playing a role in meeting the rising demand for avocados in India.”

As avocados are still a relatively new product in India, efforts to educate consumers have become crucial. Westfalia is committed to supporting this growth by not only supplying high-quality fruit but also partnering with initiatives aimed at raising awareness around the nutritional benefits and versatility of avocados

In line with this, the World Avocado Organisation (WAO) has launched its second campaign in India, focusing on consumer education and inspiring the incorporation of avocados into everyday Indian cuisine. These recipes are available on the WAO Instagram and Facebook pages. The avocado market in India has grown from 1000 tons three years ago and is expected to reach 10 000 tons for the 2024 calendar year, which is good and steady growth, albeit from a low base.

Bengaluru, 28th October 2024

Kaya, India’s leading skincare and dermatology brand, has announced the grand reopening of its fully revamped clinic in the heart of Koramangala. As part of Kaya’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class, personalized skincare, the updated clinic is set to redefine the client experience with the latest in dermatological innovation. With 10 clinics already established across Bangalore, this Koramangala location aims to solidify Kaya’s leadership in the city’s premium skincare segment.

The centrepiece of the clinic’s revamp is the introduction of Klear AI, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence platform that provides hyper-personalized skincare diagnostics. Klear AI analyzes skin conditions in-depth and recommends tailored treatments, ensuring that each client receives a bespoke regimen suited to their individual needs. This technology positions the Koramangala clinic at the forefront of advanced dermatological care, setting a new standard for personalization in skincare.

In addition to its focus on skin health, the revamped clinic now offers an expanded range of body care treatments, including pigmentation reduction, PRP hair therapy, and non-invasive fat reduction solutions like CoolSculpting. With six fully equipped service rooms, the clinic has also introduced body contouring treatments, such as CM Slim, which combines aesthetic goals with overall wellness improvement.

Kaya’s Koramangala clinic continues to offer popular skincare treatments like the HydraFacial and DermaFrac, known for rejuvenating the skin and promoting a youthful glow. The clinic’s comprehensive offering of skin, hair, and body treatments ensures that every client receives a holistic, high-quality experience tailored to their specific needs.

The reopening marks a significant step in Kaya’s mission to elevate the standard of skincare in India, combining luxury with cutting-edge technology. The Koramangala clinic promises to deliver exceptional results for clients seeking both aesthetic enhancements and overall well-being.

Hyderabad, October 28, 2024: Aspiring kabaddi players of Hyderabad were greeted by the special appearance of stars of the Pro Kabaddi League at the Hyderabad leg of the Sports For All (SFA) championships 2024-25, bringing excitement and inspiration to young athletes. Tamil Thalaivas’ dynamic raiding duo of Narender Kandola and Sachin Tanwar, along with Bengaluru Bulls’ Ajinkya Pawar, visited the Shri Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Stadium to witness the Under-14 boys and girls’ finals in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The presence of these PKL stars highlighted the growing importance of grassroots development in kabaddi. Reflecting on the sport’s evolution, Sachin Tanwar shared, “This is a significant movement from the beginning. When I was in school, we used to play in such tournaments too. Initially, only 200-250 people would come to watch, but now the popularity of kabaddi has grown tremendously, encouraging more participation. The scope of the game has expanded significantly, and this is evident now.”

Ajinkya Pawar emphasized the importance of balancing academics with sports. “The most important thing is that these young players need to maintain a balance – they should focus on both their studies and sports. Education remains equally important as sports,” he advised the aspiring athletes.

Drawing from personal experience, Narender Kandola emphasized the crucial role of school-level competitions. “Kabaddi’s growth starts from the grassroots level, and school games play a crucial role in developing the sport. My own journey is testament to this – I started with casual games in my village, moved on to school competitions, and eventually made my way to the world stage. This is where it all begins,” he said, hoping to inspire the kabaddi winners of the ongoing SFA Championships.

New Delhi, October 28, 2024: YES BANK, India’s sixth largest private sector bank announced its Q2FY25 results with a notable 145.6% YoY increase in Net Profit to INR 553 crore, alongside a 10.1% QoQ growth. The Bank’s Operating Profit rose to INR 975 crore, marking a 21.7% YoY and 10.2% QoQ increase. Net Interest Income (NII) stood at INR 2,200 crore, up 14.3% YoY, with stable Net Interest Margin (NIM) at 2.4%, and Non-Interest Income rose to INR 1,407 crore, achieving a 16.3% YoY and 17.3% QoQ growth. Despite a 12.8% YoY rise in Operating Expenses, the Cost-to-Income Ratio improved to 73.0%. The balance sheet shows sustained momentum, with deposits growing 18.3% year-over-year (y-o-y) and 4.6% quarter-over-quarter (q-o-q), and a CASA ratio up to 32.0%, increasing by 260 basis points y-o-y. Net advances grew 12.4% y-o-y, led by strong gains in SME (25.8%), mid-corporate (25.5%), and corporate advances (21.8% y-o-y and 4.6% q-o-q), while retail advances remained flat to focus on profitability. Additionally, there was no priority sector lending (PSL) shortfall for Q2FY25, achieved through increased organic balances and PSLC purchases.

Asset quality improved, with the GNPA ratio falling to 1.6% from 2.0% y-o-y and the Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) rising to 70.0%. The balance sheet grew 14.5% y-o-y, with CD Ratio at 84.8% v/s 89.2% in Q2FY24 and 86.6% in Q1FY25. Net advances rose 12.4% y-o-y, fuelled by strong growth in SME, mid-corporate, and corporate advances, while retail advances held steady to support profitability goals. The combined metric of Net NPA and net carrying value of security receipts as a percentage of advances more than halved on a y-o-y basis, reaching 0.9% in Q2FY25, while remaining stable q-o-q. The NPA Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) also improved significantly to 70.0%, up from 56.4% in Q2FY24 and 67.6% in Q1FY25. Recovery and resolution momentum held strong, achieving INR 1,021 crore in Q2FY25. Standard restructured accounts fell to INR 2,125 crore (0.9% of advances), down from 2.2% in Q2FY24 and 1.6% in Q1FY25, driven by ongoing resolutions and upgrades.

Commenting on the results and financial performance, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said, “Our Q2FY25 performance has been encouraging, especially if seen in the context of industry headwinds. The Deposit momentum has been maintained with 18% y-o-y growth, along with a healthy CASA ratio (now at 32%) expansion on both y-o-y & q-o-q basis, on the back of CA growth at 26% y-o-y & 11% q-o-q and SA growth at 30% y-o-y & 7% q-o-q. At same time, the slippage ratio (at 2.2% of Advances) remains range-bound within the guidance range. Other Asset Quality parameters such as GNPA ratio, PCR and O/S Restructured loans have all improved on q-o-q basis.

The Bank continues to deliver as per the stated strategic objectives, with superior growth in SME and Mid Corporate segments, growth resumption in the Corporate segment and calibration of growth in Retail segment, aimed at profitability improvement. Bank also continues to maintain NIL PSL shortfalls.

These along with other drivers have enabled the Bank to deliver healthy Operating Profit and Net Profit growth. The RoA of the Bank has been consistently at 0.5% over last 3 quarters. The Bank has also strengthened its management team with key senior hires in Retail Assets and Financial Markets Team. We have received external validation in the form of Credit Rating upgrades over the last 2 quarters. While we navigate the challenges in the operating environment, we remain confident of our progress towards building a franchise which delivers superior returns to our stakeholders.”

Bengaluru: 28 October 2024: Brookfield Properties in India successfully hosted the inaugural Ecoworld HABBA, an annual event dedicated to celebrating the confluence of creativity, community, and sustainability.

Held at Ecoworld, Bengaluru, this vibrant gathering showcased the rich art, culture, and heritage of Old Bangalore through a variety of engaging activities that captivated attendees. The event featured hands-on art workshops, a bustling flea market showcasing over 50 local artists, and lively performances from popular acts like Jordindian and Project Malabaricus. This diverse lineup aimed to provide a unique cultural experience that resonated with the spirit of the city.

A major highlight of the event was the display of three significant art installations by renowned artist Urjita Sharma, founder of collabHOUS. Each installation emphasized sustainability and reflected Brookfield Properties’ commitment to environmental consciousness. The first installation, Naachike Mullu (Touch-Me-Not), is a striking 9-foot metal structure that poignantly depicts the degradation of urban landscapes due to rapid urbanization. The second installation, Tree of Life, symbolizes the eternal cycle of life through five stands representing various stages: birth, growth, death, rebirth, and wisdom. Lastly, Birds of a Flock invites audience participation with its playful representation of bird flight, highlighting the essential connection between humans and nature.

“At Brookfield Properties, we are excited to relaunch the Ecoworld brand and reinforce what it stands for—engagement with community, art, sustainability, and social initiatives. The Ecoworld HABBA is not just an event; it is a celebration of our commitment to creating an ecosystem rather than merely a business park. By bringing together our occupiers, their families, and the overall Bangalore community, we foster a sense of belonging within our vibrant spaces. As we continue to expand this concept in other cities, we look forward to seeing Ecoworld HABBA evolve into our signature event—an Intellectual Property that embodies our philosophy of placemaking and meaningful interactions” Said Shantanu Chakraborty, COO, Brookfield Properties in India

A lot of the prestigious occupiers of this business park combined their family days with this event to amplify the enjoyment, bringing the entire park together as one community. This vibrant celebration of community and culture perfectly aligned with Brookfield Properties’ commitment to placemaking.

Brookfield Properties plans to continue this approach by offering a variety of unique experiences that create environments where people can connect and enjoy meaningful moments together. The Ecoworld HABBA served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on environmental awareness through art, fostering a deeper connection between communities and their natural surroundings.

Mumbai, 28 October, 2024: Travel just got a whole lot more comforting and fun! Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is thrilled to announce the return of its wildly popular ‘Pawfect’ initiative. Ready to melt stress away and turn the airport experience into a fun-filled adventure, this delightful programme features nine adorable dogs at Terminal Passengers can prepare to be charmed and comforted by these furry ambassadors of happiness before embarking on their journey. This cheerful pack includes a Golden Retriever, a Maltese, a rescued Husky, a Shih Tzu, a Lhasa apso, a Labrador and more—all specially chosen and trained to spread joy and soothe travellers.

From Friday to Sunday, between 1500hrs and 2300hrs, these lovable emotional support companions will be waiting to greet travellers in the Terminal 2 Departures area, including Domestic Level 3 and after immigration. These trained canine companions are experts in sensing and responding to moods, offering unconditional love and comfort like no other. Engaging with these furry friends offers a soothing respite, allowing passengers to find their travel anxiety melting away. This initiative will infuse the airport environment with cheer and surprise, recognising that air travel can be tiresome and stressful for some passengers.

CSMIA’s Pawfect programme is a pioneering initiative in an Indian airport, featuring stars like Bella, a gentle and affectionate golden retriever known for her warm and uplifting personality. Bella’s specialised training in bringing joy to travellers and engaging with children with special needs beautifully complements her calm demeanour, creating a delightful oasis amidst the bustling airport. Alongside her team, Bella continues to create smiles and comfort countless travellers, brightening their journey through CSMIA.

Commenting on this fun development, CSMIA spokesperson, commented, “At Mumbai International Airport, we take pride in ensuring that every passenger is taken care of. Traveling and taking a flight can be hectic and challenging for many, which is why we continuously seek innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience. Our Pawfect initiative, which was very popular before the Pandemic, not only helps to reduce travel-related anxiety but also brings a sense of joy and comfort to our passengers.”

By reintroducing the ‘Pawfect’ programme, CSMIA creates memorable and enjoyable experiences for passengers, enhancing the overall ambience of the terminal. Moreover, these furry companions encourage social interactions among travellers, who share heartwarming stories and memories of their pets, further enriching the community spirit at the airport. Get ready for some tail-wagging joy and cuddles that will make your travel experience truly special!

TAO Digital Solutions Inc. (“TAO” or the “Company”), a leading provider of outcome-driven technology services and solutions headquartered in Santa Clara, today announced it has received a strategic growth investment from Vesper Company LLC (“Vesper”), a private investment firm that partners with founders and management teams to build enduring businesses. The investment will accelerate TAO’s global organic and inorganic growth.

TAO specializes in delivering measurable business outcomes through its expertise in product engineering, data monetization, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. The Company’s suite of services spans product design, development, and delivery, with a focus on helping clients leverage data and automation to create business outcomes. TAO’s tailored AI-driven solutions empower companies to advance in competitive markets with services such as payment processing, industry-specific platform development, and cutting-edge managed services. With a team of more than 3,000 global employees, TAO services prominent clients in the automotive, technology, fintech, healthcare, eCommerce, and media sectors.

TAO has grown rapidly and is now at a strategic inflection point. Through this partnership with Vesper, TAO will be positioned to execute on key MCA opportunities, expand its global presence, and further invest in its library of AI models to differentiate its product

engineering and data services offerings to its customers. Vesper will provide aligned, long- term capital and active strategic and tactical support from its experienced investment team and deep network of industry advisors.

Rajkumar Velagapudi, CEO of TAO Digital Solutions, said:

“TAO’s mission has always been to drive significant value for our clients by delivering high- quality solutions centered on product engineering, data monetization, and industry-

specific AI models. Driven by our motto to ‘Transform, Automate, and Optimize,’ our focus on measurable outcomes through agile MVP launches, API development, and AI implementation has allowed us to serve clients with precision, driving business efficiency and innovation across industries. With Vesper’s support, we will expand into new markets, enhance our service offerings, and leverage our robust MCA pipeline to continue our growth journey. Vesper’s deep knowledge of the market and their team’s collaborative, partnership-driven approach to scaling businesses made them the perfect partner for TAO.”

Shamit Grover, Co-Managing Partner of Vesper Company, said:

“TAO has built a strong platform with data-centric solutions, innovative product development frameworks, and proven AI expertise that continue to enable it to drive needle-moving results for its clients. We have spent considerable time evaluating

opportunities in the $1.4 trillion IT services industry and were immediately attracted to TAO because of its incredible track record and strong leadership team. We are confident that the Company’s distinct competitive advantages, full-stack global delivery capabilities, and enterprise customer base position it for continued success as it capitalizes on the global opportunity set ahead. We are excited to be partnering with Raj and the experienced team at TAO in this next chapter of the Company’s growth story.”