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  • The Impact of NRI Capital on the Growth of the Real Estate Sector


    Anmoll D Shroff, Founder & CEO, Graanth Realty

    By Anmoll D Shroff, Founder & CEO, Graanth Realty

    Real estate in India is currently experiencing a tremendous growth spurt, fuelled in no small part by Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investments. As per recent industry estimates, NRI purchases comprised 10 percent of the total real estate investments in the country between 2019 and 2020; this figure has consistently increased to reach 15 percent in 2024 and is predicted to grow further to reach 20 percent by 2025. Although heartening for Indian real estate players, the growing interest of NRIs in Indian real estate is not entirely surprising considering the interplay of numerous observable factors that have contributed to this uptick.

    Search for stability

    Ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially in CIS countries and Europe, and looming concerns about an imminent recession in the US and Canada, have made NRIs increasingly cautious about investing in these regions. By contrast, India’s neutral political position coupled with NRIs’ overall positive sentiment about the economic stability brought forth by the country’s current political leadership has rendered it a far more attractive investment proposition, offering NRIs the stability they seek while making big-ticket investments. Further, NRI buyers are motivated by India’s consistent economic growth, which instills in them confidence about the stability of the real estate market in the country. This also enhances their interest in luxurious, high-end properties, which hold the promise of even more lucrative returns in the long term.

    Emotional connect

    Another strong driver is the emotional attachment that NRIs feel to India, which encourages them to lay down ‘roots’ by purchasing a home in their motherland. What is interesting, however, is that in addition to the more cosmopolitan metros such as Mumbai and Bengaluru that have traditionally been a top choice for NRIs, there is mounting interest in luxury residential properties in smaller cities. Swaying NRIs’ decision in favor of such tier 2 cities is the rapid pace at which these centers are transforming, with improved connectivity, flourishing professional opportunities, and the coveted of better work-life balance. The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision outlined by Prime Minister Modi and initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission promises further improvement on all these fronts by attracting more investment, which will make these cities even more appealing to NRI buyers. The relatively lower cost of living and property prices in Tier-2 cities also point to a more improved quality of life.

    Focus on Luxury

    Larger ticket sizes that are upwards of Rs 5 crore are common among NRI purchases. Up to 60 percent of NRI residential real estate purchases are for self-use, while a sizeable percentage of buyers invest in homes for their family members living in India. This is because for NRI buyers, investing in real estate in India is a way to preserve their existing lifestyle and cultural heritage. Thus, they are more intent on properties that are perceived as stable assets that will potentially appreciate value over time and can be inherited by their descendants. In Tier 2 cities, especially, NRI purchases are focused on homes in gated communities that offer amenities (including hi-tech gymnasiums, spas, wellness centers, and bespoke concierge services) that will elevate their quality of life and also bear a sense of exclusivity and opulence.

    Role of technology and transparency

    NRI buyers are taking advantage of tech innovations, including trusted real estate websites and portals, that empower them to access information about and invest in property in real-time. Their enthusiasm is further sustained by favorable government policies, such as the RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act) have contributed towards improving trust, increasing transparency, and boosting accountability and accessibility. Put together, these measures offer NRIs the much-needed reassurance to invest freely in Indian residential real estate.

  • AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula Talks Policy Priorities with India’s Deputy Consul General in New York


    Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI with Indian Deputy Consul General Hon. Varun Jeph

    NEW YORK: “On behalf of AAPI, I had an opportunity to meet with Deputy Consul General Hon. Varun Jeph to discuss various collaborative initiatives between AAPI and the Government of India,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).

    Dr. Kathula along with dozens of physicians of Indian origin, who flew in from many parts of the United States to join in and participate at the 78th India’s Independence Day celebrations and the Inda Day Parade in New York City, met with the officials at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday, August 18th.

    Hon. Jeph and the Indian Consulate in New York tweeted on X after the meeting: “Deputy Consul General Hon. Varun Jeph and AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula met in New York today. Had constructive discussions on the role of Indian physicians in the US in strengthening Indo-US healthcare collaborations and empowering the vibrant Diaspora community. Wish him the best for his tenure as AAPI President.”

    Dr. Kathula described the meeting as very productive. While elaborating on the discussions he had with Hon. Jeph, he said, “The discussions highlighted key projects that AAPI will be undertaking in India, including programs focused on the prevention of cancer and heart attacks, as well as widespread CPR training initiatives aimed at improving emergency response capabilities across the country.”

    Dr. Kathula pointed to the next edition of the Global Health Summit, planned to be held in New Delhi from October 18-20, 2024. This summit is expected to bring together healthcare professionals and experts from around the world to share knowledge, explore innovative healthcare solutions, and strengthen global health partnerships.

    The flagship annual event of AAPI, the Global Healthcare Summit has contributed to ushering in new ways of providing healthcare to India’s 1.4 Billion people, who live in the congested urban centers and in the rural/remote regions of the country. The 18th annual GHS will build on past initiatives and add several new programs, Dr. Kathula added.

    Dr. Kathula has served AAPI in various capacities. He was the Regional Director and a member of the Board of Trustees. He was elected overwhelmingly by AAPI members as the national Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President of AAPI, and has served as the President-Elect of AAPI during the year 2023-34. In his inaugural note, Dr. Kathula assured all AAPI members and all physicians of Indian origin that “I will sincerely work for the betterment of our beloved organization, AAPI.”

  • Athletics Kids Cup Launches in Mumbai: A New Era for Young Athletes in India


    Athletics Kids Cup

    A UBS-supported grassroots athletics initiative that aims to help develop healthy habits in kids through school-based competitions.

    MUMBAI: Athletics Kids Cup is a new grassroots sports initiative for children and adolescents. Launched by Dspowerparts, a team of athletics enthusiasts from Switzerland, in collaboration with UBS, the initiative aims to promote physical activity among children and help tackle the growing concerns around childhood obesity among urban Indian children. The Athletics Kids Cup starts in the Mumbai region and aims to get tens of thousands of children moving. Schools are now invited to register for the Athletics Kids Cup.

    Simple concept – huge impact

    Athletics Kids Cup centers around three fundamental movements – running, jumping, throwing – that are required in almost every sport and are specifically practiced and perfected in athletics. The initiative features a triathlon-style competition comprising a 60m sprint, the long jump, and the ball throw and is open to children and young people between the ages of 7 and 15 from all walks of life.

    Built with the conviction that sports, particularly athletics, can play a vital role in personal development, health promotion, and fostering mutual social understanding, the Athletics Kids Cup is an ideal platform for young participants to build character, values, integrity, mutual respect, and discipline. The initiative aims to inspire children to get the best out of themselves and to have the confidence to pursue their own ambitious goals.

    India is on the brink of a health crisis with obesity rates rising sharply, particularly among children. Athletics Kids Cup aims to help counteract this problem by encouraging an active lifestyle as a means to improve overall health.

    In the first season (2024/2025), the Athletics Kids Cup will focus on the Mumbai region. Schools will be key enablers in organizing school-level competitions with the help of a ready-to-use toolkit containing the material required to organize the competition independently, such as competition materials, bib numbers, certificates of participation, or a complete handbook. Dspowerparts and its partner Striders will provide all schools with the necessary help and advice to actively engage students in the initiative.

    While it is of central importance to us to get all children moving, regardless of their background or talent, the Athletics Kids Cup also has the potential to grow as the perfect platform for aspiring athletes. The initiative features a three-stage competition structure. After participating in the school-organized event, the most talented girls and boys can qualify for one of the five regional finals in Mumbai, which will take place in January 2025. The top 30 athletes in each age category will get the chance to prove their mettle and be part of the Grand Finale on 15 February. These competitions will be organized in a professional setup, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the qualified young athletes.

    The initiators are already preparing for expansion. In the coming months, pilots will be carried out in Pune and Hyderabad, to expand the Athletics Kids Cup to these two cities in the 2025/2026 season. The expansion will be another step forward in spreading the grassroots initiative to other parts of India and making a significant impact in promoting healthy habits and physical activity among Indian children.

    The launch of the Athletics Kids Cup is made possible through the generous support of UBS, the Switzerland-based bank, which has had strong local ties with India for three decades. UBS is committed to empowering communities through catalytic programs that improve learning outcomes and the overall well-being of students, enabling them to achieve their full potential. The Athletics Kids Cup is a key initiative among UBS’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the development and success of India’s young generation.

  • IndusInd Bank: Championing Indian Para-Athletes on the Road to Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

    The Bank celebrates the resilience and achievements of Indian Para-Athletes with the digital campaign #HarKadamJeetKa

    MUMBAI:  IndusInd Bank is proud to announce its partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the Official Banking Partner.  This partnership underlines the Bank’s commitment to elevating the Indian para-athletes, reinforcing its belief in the inclusive and transformational power of sports through its sports vertical, ‘IndusInd For Sports’. Since 2016, IndusInd Bank has been using sports as a vehicle for change to drive inclusion and sustainability through various sports-related initiatives.

    PCI and IndusInd Bank are committed to improving para-sports and supporting the Paralympic movement in India. PCI and Bank’s goal is to help athletes with disabilities reach their full potential by upgrading facilities, providing better resources, and creating an inclusive environment that recognizes their achievements. PCI aims to work with different partners to keep the inspiring spirit of the Paralympic Games alive and advance para-sports throughout the country.

    This year, with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, IndusInd Bank has come up with an all-new campaign, ‘#HarKadamJeetKa’ at the forefront, to emphasize the fact that the Bank has been the pioneer in supporting Indian para-athletes and has been supportive in every step of their journey so far. The Bank is dedicated to encouraging diverse participation and supporting talented athletes from all backgrounds. This commitment not only promotes individual talent but also fosters a sense of national pride through sporting achievements, aiming to spotlight the journeys of para-athletes and inspire widespread support for their success.

    Sanjeev Anand, Head of corporate, Commercial & Rural Banking and Mentor of IndusInd For Sports, IndusInd Bank, said “At IndusInd Bank, we are honored to partner with the Paralympic Committee of India as their Official Banking Partner for the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. It is a matter of great pride to support our Para-Champions who will represent India at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Our new campaign, ‘#HarKadamJeetKa,’ celebrates their remarkable spirit and achievements and highlights the fact that IndusInd Bank has supported them in every step of their journey. We hope this initiative will inspire and elevate the profile of para-sports, fostering greater recognition and support for their extraordinary achievements.”

    Devendra Jhajharia, Padma Bhushan awardee and President, of the Paralympic Committee of India, said, “We are thrilled to announce IndusInd Bank as the official banking partner of the Paralympic Committee of India for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This partnership, under the inspiring campaign #HarKadamJeetKa, represents more than just financial support; it embodies a shared vision of perseverance, excellence, and triumph. With 84 athletes in our contingent, the largest ever from India, we are poised to make history in Paris. IndusInd Bank’s commitment strengthens our resolve to support our athletes as they aim to outshine their remarkable achievements from Tokyo 2020. Together, we are ready to embark on this incredible journey, and we are confident that with every step, victory will be within reach.”

    India is proud to support and have its representation through these champions who will shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games:

    PARA ATHLETESSr. NoFamily Name of the AthleteGiven Name of the AthletePARA ARCHERY1SINGHHARVINDER2KUMARRAKESH3SWAMISHYAM SUNDAR4 POOIA5 SARITA6DEVISHEETALPARA ATHLETICS7JEEVANJIDEEPTHI8SUMITSUMIT9SANDEEPSANDEEP10AJEET SINGHAJEET SINGH11RINKURINKU12NAVDEEPNAVDEEP13KATHUNIYAYOGESH14DHARAMBIRDHARAMBIR15NISHAD KUMARNISHAD KUMAR16THANGAVEL UMARIYAPPAN17KHILARISACHIN SARJERAO18PALPREETHI19JADHAVBHAGYASHRI MADHAVMO20MANUMANU21KUMARPARVEEN22RAM PALRAM PAL23RONGALIRAVI24SARGARSANDIP SANJAY25GURJARSUNDAR SINGH26KUMARSHAILESH27KUMARSHARAD28MOHD YASSERMOHD YASSER29KUMARROHIT30SOORMAPRANAV31 AMIT KUMAR32ARVINDARVIND33DIPESH KUMARDIPESH KUMAR34PRAVEEN KUMARPRAVEEN KUMAR35GAVITDILIP MAHADU36RANASOMAN37HOTOZHE SEMAHOKATO38KASANASAKSHI39KARAMJYOTIKAMM JYOTI40RAJURAKSHITHA41RAWATAMISHA42CHAUDHARYBHAVANABEN AJABAJI43SIMRANSIMRAN44LAKHANIKANCHANPARA BADMINTON45SARKARMANOJ46NITESHKUMAR47NAGARKRISHNA48SOLAIMALAISIVARAJAN49YATHIRAJSUHAS LALINAKERE50KADAMSUKANT51TARUNTARUN52SUMATHY SIVANNITHYA SRE53MANDEEP KAURMANDEEP KAUR54JOSHIMANASI GIRISHCHANDRA55KOHLIPALAK56MURUGESANTHULASIMATHI57RAMADASSMANISHAPARA CANOE58YADAVPRACHI59KUMARYASH60OJHAPOOJAPARA CYCLING61SHAIKARSHAD62GADERIYAJYOTI BLIND JUDO 63PARMARKAPIL64KOKILAKOKILAPARA POWERLIFTING65PARMJEET KUMARPARMJEET KUMAR66ASHOKASHOK67KHATUNSAKINA68RAJAMANIKASTHURIPARA ROWING69 ANITA70KONGANAPA LLENARAYANASHOOTING PARA SPORT71BHATAMIR AHMAD72LEKHARAAVANI73AGARWALMONA74SINGHNIHA75NARWALMANISH76KHANDELWALRUDRANSH77BABUSIDHARTHA78DEVARADDI RAMAKRISH NASRIHARSHA79UNHALKARSWAROOP MAHAVIR80FRANCISRUBINAPARA SWIMMING81JADHAVSUYASH NARAYAN PARA TABLE TENNIS82PATELSONALBEN83PATELBHAVINABENPARA TAEKWONDO84 ARUN

  • NAM Info Inc. and Inferyx: A Strategic Partnership Transforming Data Management and Analytics

    NEW YORK: NAM Info Inc., a prominent IT solutions provider, has partnered strategically with Inferyx, a leading data management and analytics platform provider. This collaboration positions NAM Info Inc. as a Strategic Growth Partner, dedicated to advancing the development and adoption of Inferyx’s innovative data solutions.

    The partnership, driven by NAM’s Chief Technology Officer, Balaji Krishnamoorthy, is a testament to NAM’s commitment to expanding the scope of AI, machine learning (ML), advanced analytics, and data management solutions. Inferyx’s “intuitively adaptive platform” is designed to help organizations transform their data ecosystems, paving the way for new growth opportunities.

    Vinay Mahajan, President & CEO of NAM Info Inc., emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our investment in Inferyx is a critical step in enhancing data-driven decision-making through innovation and delivering exceptional outcomes.” This partnership represents a strategic move by NAM to bolster its capabilities in delivering cutting-edge data solutions that drive business success.

    As the head of this multi-national company, Vinay Mahajan has led the development team to approve two patents for SAFE, a fire safety APP for high rise buildings. Current projects under development are AI application APAR and browser-based universal communication. He recently acquired a company in Telecom Services space.

    Balaji Krishnamoorthy echoed this sentiment, noting, “Inferyx’s technology aligns perfectly with our vision of helping businesses unlock the infinite possibilities of data.” With Inferyx’s platform, NAM is poised to explore new market opportunities, expand its product offerings, and create a scalable ecosystem for data management and analytics.

    Yogesh Palrecha, the Founder of Inferyx, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with NAM, a company known for delivering impactful results. This collaboration will accelerate our growth and focus on enabling the full potential of the data and analytics universe.” The partnership is expected to accelerate Inferyx’s growth and enhance its ability to deliver powerful data management and analytics solutions.

    The partnership between NAM and Inferyx represents a significant milestone for both companies as they work together to redefine the future of data management and analytics. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation and growth, helping businesses unlock the full potential of their data and navigate the complexities of the modern data landscape.

    By integrating Inferyx’s advanced platform with NAM’s extensive experience in IT solutions, the partnership aims to create a powerful synergy that will deliver superior data management and analytics solutions to a wide range of industries. The collaboration will focus on developing new products and services that address the evolving needs of businesses in an increasingly data-driven world.

    In addition to expanding its product offerings, NAM plans to leverage the partnership with Inferyx to explore new market opportunities and build a scalable ecosystem for data management and analytics. This ecosystem will provide businesses with the tools and technologies they need to harness the power of data, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation.

    As data continues to play a crucial role in business decision-making, the partnership between NAM and Inferyx is expected to have a significant impact on the industry. By combining their strengths, the two companies are well-positioned to lead the way in data management and analytics, helping businesses unlock new opportunities and achieve their strategic goals.

    Overall, the partnership between NAM Info Inc. and Inferyx is a forward-looking collaboration that aims to shape the future of data management and analytics. With a shared vision of innovation and excellence, the two companies are set to deliver exceptional value to their clients and partners, driving growth and success in the rapidly evolving data landscape.

    Inferyx, a trailblazer in the field of data management and analytics, offers a platform that helps organizations manage, integrate, and analyze their data more effectively. The platform includes tools for data management, a business rule engine, and advanced analytics capabilities. By leveraging Inferyx’s technology, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, drive innovation, and make more informed, data-driven decisions.

    NAM Info Inc. has established itself as a leading provider of business solutions across various domains and technological frameworks. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, NAM has expanded its global presence with offices in Bangalore and Chennai, India, as well as in Mississauga, Canada. In 2007, NAM launched its offshore services in Bangalore, underscoring its commitment to global growth and operational excellence. The company continues to broaden its geographical footprint, aiming to deliver exceptional business solutions worldwide.

  • The Rising Demand for Vegetarian Food: How It’s Transforming the Baking Industry in India

    PUNE: Till the 90’s the bakery industry was a highly unorganized sector. It was dominated by the local bakeries where a clear demarcation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian products, health, and hygiene was always questionable.

    People hesitated to go to bakeries that were selling baked nonvegetarian products along with vegetarian products. Most of the baked goods were prepared from fats that were derived from animals and were highly unacceptable by vegetarians.

    Bakeries that serve pure vegetarian products are few due to the implications of substituting ingredients. However, the consistently growing demand for vegetarian bakery products is on the rise.

    The rising demand for pure vegetarian snacks and confectionaries is fuelling the expansion of India’s vegetarian food business. The vegetarian food business might account for 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030, worth US$ 162 billion. Furthermore, the global demand for animal and dairy protein is expected to reach US$ 1.2 trillion by 2030. The plant-based dairy market is predicted to increase from US$ 21 million to US$ 63.9 million at a CAGR of 20.7%. (SOURCE IBEF)

    The baking industry needs to cater to this growing dietary trend by providing vegetarian options in all their products, whether they be pre-mixes or ready-to-eat baked foods. Extensive research has been carried out to formulate recipes using suitable substitutes for non-vegetarian ingredients like eggs and animal fats.

    It is important to note that the substitute which is chosen must also serve the functional purpose of the ingredient without compromising on the taste or texture of the final baked product. The egg is perhaps the most critical non-vegetarian ingredient that needs substitution and it is important to note that both the egg white and egg yolk play multiple different roles in baking and each of their specific properties needs to be substituted by separate ingredients.

    Animal fats are another ingredient that requires substitution however replacing this is easy and this can be done by using vegetable oils that best resemble animal fats without adversely affecting the taste and texture of the final baked product.

    Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and health consequences of their food choices, and they are increasingly opting for plant-based alternatives. This shift in consumer behavior is propelling the growth of plant-based foods and is predicted to continue in the coming years. Between 2022 and 2027, the global vegan food industry is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 11.32%. (SOURCE: IBEF)

    Given the situation, it led to an idea to create and develop Shudh Shakahari (Pure Veg) a vegetarian bakery product range in 1999 to address the core issue and manage the demand gap for veg bakery products.

    Speaking about the concept, the Official Spokesperson of Malpani’s Bakelite said, “Bakelite is one of the brands to commercialize individual packed goods and introduced baked products that are packed in the best hygiene conditions with utmost stringent quality checks. Bakelite uses high-end automation and various modern techniques to achieve mass production without compromising on hygiene and quality.  The aim is to serve 100 % pure vegetarian products, prepared using purest and best quality ingredients, infused with the warmth and comfort just like home cooked food-Ghar Jaisa Khana.”

    He further added, “The brand believes in strengthening bonds with family and friends during tea time and offers a range of chatpata snacks to make tea times exciting.

    The brand today has secured its place as a synonym for vegetarianism in people’s hearts. Recently it has launched the Upwas Chiwda range – Sabudana Chiwda, Potato Chiwda, Red Chilli Potato Chiwda. These snacks are ideal for fasting…

  • Parth Jindal Champions Padel Sport Growth in India with New Funding for PadelPark

    MUMBAI: PadelPark India, a comprehensive ecosystem and market leader dedicated to the sport of Padel in India, today received a boost with a fresh round of funding, led by Parth Jindal, Founder of JSW Sports and Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS).

    Padel is a racquet sport with its roots in Mexico. Over the past few years, the sport has gained significant interest in Europe, along with a remarkable surge in its popularity across the globe. The sport’s rapid growth can be determined by the number of courts worldwide increasing from around 10,000 in 2016 to more than 50,000 in 2024 & poised to grow to around 60,000 courts by 2026. Last year alone saw more than 2500 Padel clubs open around the world.

    The global padel industry is currently valued at over $2.2 billion, with more than 25 million players spanning 110 countries, and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 22%, reaching $6.6 billion by 2026. Key drivers of this growth include increasing interest in sports, the appeal of trying new activities, endorsements by prominent public figures, and the rising number of international competitions. With 23% of India’s population actively participating in sports, the country presents a significant market opportunity, with 232 million potential padel enthusiasts.

    Commenting on his investment in PadelPark India, Parth Jindal, Founder of JSW Sports & IIS said, “PadelPark is building an ecosystem for the sport of Padel in the country, ranging from establishing the necessary infrastructure to creating a coach and student education program to establishing a robust tournament framework. The Founders’ vision of expanding access through innovation and community building aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming India into a sporting nation. Padel is a fast-growing global sport that I have no doubt will become an Olympic sport in the future and I am excited to work with the PadelPark team to increase the popularity of the sport in India.”

    Commenting on the Investment, Ronak Daftary, Co-founder, of PadelPark said, “We are excited to have Parth & his team on board with us and share his vision of making India the largest producer and distributor of Padel courts in the world. We firmly believe that Parth is the right person to help regulate the sport in India.”

    Headquartered in Mumbai, and self-funded since its inception in 2020, PadelPark India is committed to being at the forefront of the growth of Padel infrastructure in India and Asia through a strategic partnership with Sky Padel, a leading Spanish organization. The company also operates the Indian Padel Academy, which offers coaching and training both at a grassroots and advanced level providing players in India an opportunity to compete at an International level.

    PadelPark’s co-founders — Ronak Daftary, Jigar Doshi, Nikhil Sachdev, and Pratik Doshi — bring extensive experience in managing sports infrastructure and share a profound passion for promoting sports adoption across India.

    Currently, PadelPark India operates 11 padel courts in Mumbai and has constructed over 22 courts for various sports clubs, hotels, resorts, and corporate entities. Some of their notable clients include the Willingdon Sports Club, NSCI club, JSW Inspire Institute of Sport, Marriot Suites, and many more. Given its growth focus, PadelPark India plans to establish more than 100 Padel clubs across the country over the next few years through a combination of its own as well as franchise-run centers.

    The new funding will be deployed in scaling up their infrastructure and enhancing the offerings of their academy and events.

    PadelPark India is on track to deliver 40 Padel Courts in the next three months, open 15 Padel Centers/clubs in the next 60 days, and train 250 people from next month.

    PadelPark India will also host the largest on-ground Padel tournament India has seen with 90 teams and top-tier sponsors on August 23rd.

  • Godrej & Boyce Unveils India’s First Lithium-Ion Forklift Truck Featuring a Fully Indigenous Battery Management System

    Godrej targets 100% localization of Li-Ion cells by the end of next year- a first in India

    MUMBAI: Amid India’s rapid infrastructure development and the pressing need for green energy solutions, Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has once again taken the lead with its latest innovation. The Material Handling Business of the conglomerate, today announced the launch of lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts featuring an indigenously developed Battery Management System (BMS). This will be the first offering of this kind by an Indian manufacturer. The solution addresses a critical need in the Indian material handling sector by providing a self-reliant and secure Li-Ion battery system.

    The benefits of Li-ion technology are extensive and transformative, offering more than 4 times longer battery life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Li-ion batteries provide 5,000 charge cycles versus 1,200 for lead-acid, reducing long-term investment. They enable opportunity charging, zero emissions during charging, and reduced maintenance needs. Charging from 20% to 80% takes only 2.5 hours for Li-ion compared to 6 hours for lead-acid, with 30% less energy consumption. Li-ion batteries offer upto 15% more run time to 2 and 3-tonne forklifts. The modular design also allows for scalability. Godrej & Boyce plans to extend this technology to other material handling equipment. Industries set to benefit include automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and other major manufacturing sectors.

    Anil Verma, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group said, “India’s logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture, experiencing robust growth driven by infrastructure advancements across sectors such as automotive, FMCG, consumer durables, retail including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, fueled by rising consumer demand. At Godrej & Boyce, we are committed to ‘Make in India’ strategies, playing a vital role in driving this growth. Our focus on integrating cutting-edge, technology-enabled solutions remains a key priority, addressing the complex challenges of modern supply chains. These innovations are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the sector’s continued evolution. The future of India’s logistics will be shaped by this commitment to nation-building and innovation, securing a more resilient and adaptive industry.”

    Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President & Business Head of the material Handling Business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group said, “We are delighted to introduce our Li-ion powered forklift trucks featuring indigenously developed Battery Management System. This launch underscores our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and building self-reliant capabilities in critical technologies for the material handling industry. By leveraging our engineering expertise, we have created a solution that enhances safety and optimizes performance. We believe this is the start of a transformative journey that will revolutionize material handling and inspire industries nationwide to reimagine what’s possible when we commit to self-reliance.“

    Developed in partnership with Log9 Materials, the new battery systems integrate lithium-ion cells with 30% localized production with a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) fully designed and made in India. The business has set a target of 100% localization for the cells by next year.

    Traditionally, the Indian market has heavily relied on imported batteries and BMS systems, primarily sourced from China. Localizing this technology underscores the business’s unwavering commitment to the “Make in India” vision and its dedication to fostering a resilient domestic supply chain.

  • Pune Welcomes “The Luxury Hub”: A Must-Visit Fashion Pop-Up at KOPA Mall

    PUNE: Pune’s newest lifestyle destination, Kopa, in collaboration with The Style Wardrobe, will present “The Luxury Hub” on August 24th and 25th, 2024. This exclusive event will feature a curated selection of festive fashion, designed to upgrade your seasonal wardrobe. From intricately crafted chikankari salwars and stylish cord sets to crystal-embroidered shirts and chic pret collections, this is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts looking to stay ahead of the trends.

    Jewelry lovers can explore a stunning range of diamond pieces, while a dedicated footwear section will offer the ideal complements to any outfit. The Luxury Hub will feature boutique brands from across India, including prominent names from Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, and Pune. Designers like The Boozy Button, Nayaab India, Mohini Rajani Designs, and House of Fett will debut their latest collections, offering a unique shopping experience.

    Adding an international dimension, the event will showcase globally-inspired collections curated by Style Wardrobe, featuring selections from Southeast Asia and the US. Look out for brands like Gulnaz Amin, Label CocoPlum, SW Footwear, DATURA Footwear, and Aurique Jewels, with more exciting names to come.

    For the residents of Pune, this is more than just a shopping event; it’s an opportunity to experience the best in fashion and lifestyle, all in one place.

  • Pravin Masalewale Trust Honors Arnavaz Damania with the Prestigious ‘Suhana Kamal Lifetime Achievement Award’


    From left – Pruthviraj Ghorpade, Vandana Chavhan and Vishal Chordia.

    Honoring Women Making a Mark in Business and Service Sectors

    Dr. S . B. Mujumdar will be the chief guest for the Award Ceremony

    PUNE: The Pravin Masalewale Trust will bestow the ‘Suhana Kamal Lifetime Achievement Award’ to Arnavaz Damania, a distinguished Social Worker, and former national hockey player. Vishal Chordia, Trustee of Pravin Masalewale Trust, made this announcement at a press conference held today at Patrakar Sangh. Vandana Chavan, Chairperson of the Suhana Kamal Award Committee and former Member of Parliament, and Prithviraj Ghorpade were present on the occasion.

    Speaking about the various award lineup for this year, Vishal Chordia said, “In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, this year’s ‘Suhana Kamal Service Award’ will be presented to Sister Lucy Kurien, founder of Maher Ashram, the ‘Suhana Kamal Entrepreneurship Award’ will be conferred upon Komal Wagaskar of Artemis Tech Pvt. Ltd while Snehal and Devanand Londhe of Payod Industries from Sangli will be decorated with the ‘Suhana Kamal Couple Entrepreneurship Award’.

    Detailing out the award function, Vandana Chavhan said, “The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, 29th August 2024 at 5:00 pm at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Hall on Ghole Road. The awards will be presented at the hands of Padma Bhushan Dr S. B. Mujumdar. Natrang movie fame renowned actress Sonali Kulkarni will also be present at the occasion.”

    Speaking about the awards, Vishal Chordia stated, “The preparation of spices, pickles, papads, and other products under the Pravin Masalewale brand was started over six decades ago by the late Hukumchand (Bhau) Chordia and the late Kamalbai Chordia (Bai). Owing to their consistent commitment to quality and customer service, Pravin products quickly gained prominence. The tireless efforts and integrity of Bhau and Bai, along with the contributions of subsequent generations of the Chordia family, have shaped and transformed the business over time. They have significantly contributed to the growth and success of brands such as Suhana, Ambari, Pravina, and Sarvam. The inspiration behind the awards we are presenting today comes from their legacy.

    During their times of enthusiasm and struggle, Bhau and Bai Chordia were consistently encouraged and praised by many individuals and organizations for their progress in the business. This encouragement inspired them to continue their enterprise with even greater vigor and grit. Following this concept, my father, Rajkumar Chordia, initiated the ‘Udyog Janani Kamal Award’ in 2000 to honor women who have made extraordinary contributions to the business sector. After the hiatus due to COVID, the award has been reinstated and restructured as the ‘Suhana Kamal Award.’ The next generation of the Chordia family is carrying forward this legacy with competence, excelling in both business and social work,” added Vishal Chordia.

    To ensure the awards are impartial, the Trust has established an organizing and selection committee comprising former MP Vandana Chavan as the chair the committee, senior social activist Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar, Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, former Police Commissioner Meeran Chadha Borwankar, senior journalist Vijaya Patil, educationist Swati Mujumdar, entrepreneur Sulajja Firodia Motwani, and veteran actress Nishigandha Wad.