Archive: October 1, 2020

Education

Sommet Education appoints high-caliber Digital Board to stimulate 3.0 hospitality studying experience

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Benoît-Etienne Domenget, #Digital Board, #Rajay Naik, #Roberto Eggs, #Sommet Education

Sommet Education, leading worldwide network of first-class higher education hospitality and culinary art schools Les Roches, Glion Institute of Higher Education and Ecole Ducasse, appoints a Digital Board composed of high-calibre experts in order to speed up and nourish digital hospitality studying experience and generate a direct impact on its curriculum worldwide.

For a sustainable approach of digital learning

Sommet Education has been successfully accelerating its digitalization as a response to the pandemic situation.

The digital transformation of the company has been led by a dedicated taskforce including digital and academic members to ensure solutions developed to respond with utmost flexibility and academic rigour to the situation and new student’s needs.

A wide range of solutions has been developed in the past months:

– Broadening the scope of learning with contextual and tailor-made courses: from specific academic series focusing on the crisis management “Leading Hospitality Through Turbulent Times” to the 5 000 on-line Certificates delivered and developed on Future Learn online learning platform.

– Offering new learning experiences: first phygital and one of a kind Bachelor semester Glion-Les Roches Connect,

– Flexibility in learning methods: implementing Live broadcasting and replay of courses on on-line learning platform to adapt to each individual situation (transport issue, late arrivals, willingness to review course material…),

– Smart technological and innovation investments with virtual enrolment tours, state-of-the-art Innovation hubs dedicated to new technologies development in Les Roches Crans-Montana and Marbella Campuses.

– Academic developments of technology-driven programs: Masters in hospitality strategy and Digital transformation program at Les Roches.

Sommet Education wishes to accelerate this movement and further take the lead on the Future of Hospitality Education and the sustainable integration of Digital learning solutions and new technologies in the curriculums.

The Digital Board

The aim of the Digital Board is to support Sommet Education with digital expertise and propose fresh ideas, services, products and solutions leveraging on digitalization to be implemented in campuses and courses and further integrate digitalization in the learning experiences of the students.

The board is based on the member expertise and worldwide recognition in their field. The first members joining are Roberto Eggs, Chief Marketing and Operating Officer, Executive Board Member at Moncler, Mathieu Lhomme, Strategic Transformation Officer at Danone, Rajay Naik, CEO of Skilled Education, as well as Olivier Younès, PhD, Founding CEO of EXPEN (www.expen.com) & Professor at HEC Paris. The board aims at integrating new members and expertise throughout the development of its reflections.

The Digital Board members will share their expertise and experience in the business applications of new technologies and bring a disruptive and unconventional approach to the education sector supporting its development and talents growth. Their observations, opinions, proposals or recommendations will transform concretely into digital services and products to be experimented and implemented in the group institutions’ campuses and curriculums.

On the appointment of the Digital Board, Benoît-Etienne Domenget, the CEO of Sommet Education said“Over the past months, Sommet Education has proven its ability to adjust to the needs of its students and accelerate its digital transformation. I am very proud and excited to welcome such highly recognized experts to further provide additional stimulus and bring fresh ideas to the existing curriculum thus taking the hospitality studying experience to the third-generation level.”

Business World

Banaras to taste the freshest and tastier milk

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Banaras, #fresh milk and dairy products, #Gyan, #Venkataramani Santhanam

Gyan, the most preferred fresh milk and dairy products brand in UP, started its operation at the new milk processing plant in the city of Banaras. The brand will now be procuring, processing and packaging milk in the city itself ensuring fresh milk to the consumers every morning at their table. Fresh milk is not only rich in taste but also full of nutrients, and the newly inaugurated plant will ensure the same to its consumer as part of the brand’s commitment to provide freshest and tastier milk.

Banaras, also known as Spiritual Capital of India is famous for the vibrancy of its culture and Milk remains a central ingredient to the rich Banaras cuisine and forms an integral part of everyone’s life. Gyan’s mission is to provide the consumers of Varanasi with the best quality of Entire Dairy range of products.

This new state-of-the-art milk processing facility in Banaras will supply fresh milk straight from the farms to the doorstep. The installation of the plant in the city itself will enable people to experience the freshness and richness of milk along with other dairy products like never before. Further, these products are from the best of the procured milk, following all the safety measures and processed & packed in the most hygienic manner.

Commenting on the opening the company spokesperson, Venkataramani Santhanam V.P. Sales and Marketing,“The inauguration of a processing facility at Varanasi is a significant step towards Gyan Dairy’s mission to deliver freshest & Tastier milk and dairy products to our customers, The dairy industry in India has witnessed a massive change in the past few months and the consumers are very cautious of the products they consume. Today the demand is for the fresh& hygienically packed products, derived from the trusted sources. The new processing facility at Banaras is a major leap towards the commitment of meeting evolving consumer needs and provide freshest and most hygienically packed milk and dairy products straight to people’s table.”

The products are available right from the farm to the processing plant to the customer’s doorstep, maintaining the prescribed cold chain throughout the process to keep the flavour and consistency of the quality of milk intact. Very soon Gyan products would also be available through subscription-based home delivery model- Gyan Fresh App for contactless and safe home delivery. The app follows a safe and hygienic way to get the fresh products right at your door-step in the minimum time possible. This module is already very successful in Lucknow, where there are over 80000 downloads and overt 25000 active customers. During the current challenging times, Our Gyan Fresh App, was very instrumental in making contactless fresh dairy products available at the consumer’s Doorstep. The Local administration in Lucknow has also applauded these efforts of Gyan Fresh App, especially during the current pandemic scenario.

Gyan products are super-rich in their quality and procured from about 1lac+ farmers from over 3000+ villages of Uttar Pradesh. These farmers are associated with-company directly and following the guidelines of quality milk production, hygiene and safety of animals so that ensuring the best final product to the customers.

Business World

Hyderabad’s industrialist, Purnachandra Rao Surapaneni is new National President of IACC

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Indo American Chamber of Commerce(IACC), #National President of IACC, #Purnachandra Rao Surapaneni

Hyderabad’s industrialist, Purnachandra Rao Surapaneni is elected as National President of Indo American Chamber of Commerce(IACC), the apex bi-lateral body synergizing India-US business relations.

He is the second Telugu Entrepreneur to get elected to the National President of 52 years old body. Rao elected unanimously in a Board Meeting of IACC , Headquartered in Mumbai today

Purnachandra Rao was elected at the first meeting of the newly elected National Governing Board for the Year 2020-2021.

The Board meeting was attended by IACC senior directors Lalit Bhasin, Naushad Panjwani, Sekhar and others across the regions.

The 60 years old Rao brings with him rich experience and knowledge. He is currently a Managing Director of Hyderabad base Global Infovision Pvt. Ltd., a reputed player in IT/ITESServices).

He is hailed by the business community as he brings several years of experience and knowledge in the Indo US Bilateral Trade.

Mr. Rao held many important positions, portfolios and committees. He was the National Vice President of the IACC in the years 2018-2020.

Rao is an expert Indo US bilateral trade. His association with IACC over many years will help to lead the chamber in the direction of further improving the Indo-US business relationship and trade enhancement between the two countries.

Responding to his election, Mr. Rao outlined his goals and priorities include improved trade activity by continuously engaging the members of the chamber with various business activities and closely working with the Government. He also stated that the chamber will maintain a good relationship with U.S. consulates and their commercial attaches in India.

IACC is the principal bilateral chamber committed to the promotion of Industrial, Economic, Business and Commercial activities between the United States of America and India. IACC encourages bilateral trade, investment and technology transfer, facilitates business collaborations, joint ventures, marketing tie-ups and strategic alliances through a set of proactive business-oriented initiatives. It is the huge responsibility bestowed on him and he would strive hard for better bilateral relationships between USA and India.

The Vision of the IACC, Mr. Rao added to be the principal bilateral chamber, to act as a catalyst in promoting economic growth between the two countries, to protect and promote the collective bilateral need and interests of the Indo-US business community and to effectively lobby with two governments on significant bilateral issues affection Indo-US commerce.

Considering the current COVID situation that the Companies are trying to move out of China or at least to avoid further investments. IACC will take an active role as India trying to lure those investments.

Business World

Amazon India creates more than 100,000 seasonal job opportunities ahead of this festive season

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Akhil Saxena, #Amazon India

Amazon India today, announced that it has created more than 100,000 seasonal job opportunities ahead of the festive season across its operations network in the country. The new seasonal positions will help elevate its delivery experience and boost the company’s fulfilment and delivery capabilities to meet the surge in customer demand this festive season.

The new associates will join Amazon’s existing robust network of associates and support them to pick, pack, ship and deliver customers’ orders safely and efficiently. The company has also generated tens of thousands of indirect opportunities through its partner networks such as its trucking partners, packaging vendors, ‘I Have Space’ delivery partners, Amazon Flex partners and housekeeping agencies among many others to support the exponential demand during this period.

Earlier this year, in May, Amazon India created close to 70,000 seasonal opportunities across its operational network and customer service centres. This along with today’s announcement is another step forward in Amazon India’s commitment to creating 1 million new job opportunities in India by 2025 through continued investments in technology, infrastructure, and its logistics network.

“This festive season, we are looking forward to serving customers in every part of the country by providing fast, safe and more seamless e-commerce experience to them from the safety of their homes. This year, more than 100,000 seasonal associates will join us to fulfil customer promises. We remain committed to creating job opportunities across the country, especially at a time when the pandemic has posed challenges in earning livelihood for many”, said Akhil Saxena, Vice President – APAC, MENA and LATAM Customer Fulfilment Operations, Amazon India.

In the last few months, Amazon announced plans to launch 10 new Fulfilment Centres and expand 7 existing centres across the country this year. The company now has more than 32 million cubic feet of storage capacity and supports more than 6.5 lakh sellers across regions. Amazon India also announced the expansion of its Sort Centre(SC) network by launching 5 new SCs and expanding 8 existing sort centres across 19 states. The company has also expanded its delivery infrastructure by adding close to 200 Amazon-owned and delivery service partner stations and scaled its delivery programs such as Amazon Flex and ‘I Have Space’ that provide supplemental income opportunities to tens of thousands of individuals.

Amazon India has implemented a series of preventative health measures for employees, associates and partners at its sites such as adherence to social distancing norms, use of face covering, and daily temperature screenings among close to 100 other measures in all its buildings. All orders are delivered through no contact delivery where the delivery associate rings the bell, leaves the package at the doorstep and steps back 2 meters, following social distancing guidelines for their safety. The similar no-contact protocol is followed for pay on delivery orders as well. Additionally, all delivery associates regularly sanitize their hands, clean frequently touched surfaces of their vehicles and are always mandated to wear a face-covering while making a delivery.

Business World

YPO Names Xavier Mufraggi as New CEO

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Club Med, #Fosun Tourism Group, #Mufraggi, #YPO, #YPO Paris Chapter

YPO the global leadership community of more than 28,000 chief executives in 142 countries, today announced that Xavier Mufraggi, a member of its YPO Paris Chapter, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 December 2020. Mufraggi, the first non-U.S. born CEO of the noted organization of young leaders, joins YPO from Club Med, the global leader in luxury all-inclusive vacations

With Club Med, an international subsidiary of Fosun Tourism Group 复星集团, for the past 15 years, Mufraggi was most recently the President and CEO of Club Med Europe, Middle East, Africa Markets (EMEA), a region delivering more than USD1B revenue per year. He previously held the position of CEO for North America and the Caribbean. Under his leadership, this division emerged as a sustainable and profitable business unit, and he succeeded in digitally transforming and repositioning the brand into an upscale family vacation destination.

“I am very enthusiastic about Xavier as our new CEO to lead YPO into the future,” said Anastasios (Tassos) Economou, 2020-2021 YPO Global Chairman. “Not only am I looking forward to working very closely with Xavier but to making a new friend, in the unique way we make connections amongst peers in YPO.”

“YPO members are extraordinary leaders who, in addition to driving the global economy, are keenly focused on making a positive impact on the lives of their employees, their communities and the world,” said Mufraggi. “I am honoured to have this unique leadership opportunity to helm this exceptional organization at a time when the world needs better leaders more than ever.”

A dynamic professional with a strong strategic marketing background in the food, consumer and hospitality sectors, Mufraggi began his career at Kraft Foods Europe in marketing, commercial and product development. He is a graduate of EDHEC Business School, one of the top business programs in Europe, and holds a master’s degree in business management.

Mufraggi is also a board member of MUFRAGGI Matériaux, a construction tools and materials business created by his grandfather, and a French Foreign Trade Advisor. Raised in Europe, the U.S. in Washington, D.C. and the Ivory Coast, he and his family currently reside in Paris, France.

Mufraggi is succeeding Scott Mordell in the position. Mordell has been YPO’s longest-serving Chief Executive Officer, in the role since 2011 and an active YPO member since 1995. He announced in December 2019 that he would be departing at the end of this year.

Added Economou, “On behalf of YPO, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Scott for his leadership and passion for this organization over the past decade and throughout this transition.”

Business World

Plasmacluster Technology Demonstration Effectiveness in Reducing Airborne Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), a World’s First

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), #Dr Jiro Yasuda, #Plasmacluster Technology

For the first time in the world, a device, developed by Sharp Corporation, equipped with Plasmacluster technology, which exposed an airborne novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) to Plasmacluster ions for approximately 30 seconds, has effectively reduced the infectious titer of the virus by more than 90%. This achievement was accomplished in collaboration with Professor Jiro Yasuda of the National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases/Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Professor Asuka Nanbo (a board member of the Japanese Society for Virology) of the same institution, Professor Hironori Yoshiyama of the Department of Microbiology, Shimane University, Faculty of Medicine (also, a board member of the Japanese Society for Virology), and Nagasaki University, an internationally respected authority on infectious diseases research.

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in December 2019. By August 2020, this disease had already infected more than 25 million people and taken the lives of 840,000 individuals globally. This outbreak is an emergency faced by our society and made it necessary to take immediate countermeasures across a wide range of fields.

In 2004, Sharp demonstrated the effectiveness of Plasmacluster technology against feline (cat) coronavirus, a member of the Corona viridae family. In the following year of 2005, Sharp also demonstrated its effectiveness against the original SARS coronavirus (SARS- CoV), which caused the outbreak of 2002-2003 and is also genetically similar to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Now, Sharp has demonstrated its effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 in airborne droplets.

On the day of the launch, Dr Jiro Yasuda, Professor of National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University said, “Disinfectants such as alcohol and detergents (surfactants) are well-known to be effective to reduce the risk of the virus on materials. However, for infection via aerosols (micro-droplets), there are few effective countermeasures such as a mask. Today, we demonstrated the effective inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in airborne droplets by using Plasmacluster technology. We expect it would be useful to reduce the risk of infection in real spaces like offices, homes, medical facilities and vehicles too”.

Since 2000, Sharp has been demonstrating the effectiveness of Plasmacluster technology by working in collaboration with independent third-party research organizations around the world. So far, numerous independent research organizations have proven its clinical efficacy in suppressing the activity of harmful substances including new pandemic influenza viruses, drug-resistant bacteria, and mite allergens, as well as in reducing bronchial inflammation levels in children with asthma.

Plasmacluster and the Plasmacluster logos are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation.

Research Details

■ Overview of Verification Test
• Testing organization: National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases (CCPID)/Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University
• Verification test apparatus: Virus testing device equipped with Plasmacluster technology

image

Virus recovery device

Plasmacluster ion generator
Aerosolized virus generator

Plasmacluster ion concentration: Approx. 10 million/cm3 (in the vicinity of the Plasmacluster ion
Figure 1 – Test device diagram
generator)
• Test space volume: Approx. 3 litre
• Control study: Comparison using the device described above without Plasmacluster ion generation
• Validation virus: Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
• Test method
o Pass the aerosolized virus through the test device from the generator
o Recover the aerosolized virus after exposure to Plasma cluster ions
o Calculate the infectious virus titer of the recovered virus solution by a plaque assay*

* A standard assay to evaluate the number of infectious virus in the sample

Results –

Table 1 Effect of Plasmacluster ions on the infectious titer of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) suspended in the air

Without

Plasmacluster

ions

With

Plasmacluster ions

Reduction

Infectious

virus titer (number of plaque)

1.76 x 104

 

 

Without

 

Plasmacluster ions

 

 

With

 

Plasmacluster ions

 

 

91.3%

 

reduction

 

1.54

x 103

91.3%

image (1)

image (2)

Health

Detecting Breast Cancer Early, Expert recommends regular check-up & Annual Mammography

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Breast Aware, #Breast Cancer, #Dr Vedant Kabra, #HCMCT Manipal Hospitals

Mumbai, October 1, 2020

Based on current trends, breast cancers are rising alarmingly in the country and among women contribute nearly 15 per cent of all cancers. During the month of Breast Awareness (October), a highly experienced oncologist urged Indian women to be “Breast Aware” from an early age and participate in regular breast cancer screening. According to the expert, awareness and screening can help in detecting a large number of breast cancers at an early stage. Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer among Indian women, both in terms of incidence as well as mortality.

Talking to reporters through E-Press Conference, Dr Vedant Kabra, HOD Surgical Oncology, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals said, “Certain approaches can help in early detection. First of all, we recommend Breast self-examination every month around five days after the periods are over starting from the age of 20. For postmenopausal women, it can be done on a certain day/date of every month. Annual breast examination by a trained doctor after the age of 20 is also recommended. Finally, regular mammogram after the age of 40-45 is also recommended for early detection of Breast Cancers and timely treatment.”

According to the ICMR’s latest National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020, India is expected to record an estimated 12% rise in cancer cases by 2025. As per estimates, there will be about 13.9 lakhs cancer cases in 2020 which is likely to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025, based on current trends. Among women, breast cancers are estimated to contribute 2.0 lakhs (14.8%).

According to Dr Kabra, cancer that develops in breast glands or ducts is called breast cancer. Typically, this particular type of cancer forms in either the lobules or the ducts of the breast. A lump in the breast, bloody or straw-coloured nipple discharge, recent nipple inversion, ulceration or destruction of the nipple, dimpling of skin and thickening of skin to give an appearance of orange peel are some of the symptoms of breast cancer. Confirmation of the diagnosis of breast cancer usually requires a needle biopsy, which can be performed at the OPD in 10-15 minutes after the mammogram is done.

Sometimes MRI and ultrasound may also be needed. Patients with larger lumps, those having enlarged glands in armpit or symptoms suggestive of distant organ involvement (bone pain, breathlessness, headache, enlarged liver etc.) need additional tests like PET-CT scan to rule out the spread of disease to other organs,” he added.

“We, at Manipal Hospitals which has best-in-class treatment and care for breast cancer patients, are witnessing that a significant proportion of patients come to us at advanced stages. Early Cancer or Stage I & II is usually treated by surgery first. Locally advanced which is stage III requires chemotherapy first followed by surgery and radiation. Hormone and other targeted therapy are needed in the select group of patients who have certain markers present on their tumours. Stage IV (Distant organ spread) is treated either with chemotherapy or hormone therapy or both. Symptom directed therapies like surgery for an ulcerated mass in the breast, radiation for pain relief / bony disease, pain medicines, fluid removal etc. are required in some patients with stage IV disease,” Dr Kabra elaborated.

“With surgical advances and emergence of oncoplastic breast surgery, we are able to offer breast conservation to most of our patients with the good cosmetic outcome that boosts the confidence and has a positive impact on the psychological state of the patient. Even if breast needs to be removed, it can be reconstructed using the patient’s own tissues with or without synthetic implants.” Dr Kabra added. After complete removal of lymph nodes from armpit, the arm swelling (lymphedema) may develop in 20-30 per cent of patients. Newer techniques like Sentinel lymph node biopsy and Lymphovenous anastomosis help in reducing the lymphedema rates to less than 5 per cent.

According to him, Chemotherapy usually consists of 6-8 cycles administered in daycare at an interval of 15-21 days. Hormone therapy, in form of tablets, continues for five years or more. A type of targeted therapy may be needed and is typically given for a year. Chemotherapy may have side effects like hair loss, nausea, vomiting, weakness and most of these can be well taken care of by modern medicines.

With advanced imaging technology and radiation therapy in breast cancers results in an improvement in dose homogeneity, conformity and a decrease in radiation dose to organs at risk compared with older techniques.

Regular follow-up checks are needed to monitor for side-effects of treatment and detect the recurrence of disease if any. Initial follow up visits are more frequent and the interval between the checks increases as the time passes by with only annual checks required after 5 years of treatment completion.

Creating awareness about the disease is the key to leveraging the benefits of breakthroughs. Millions across the nation lose the battle of life against the dreadful disease cancer. People need to be made aware of the breakthroughs in early detection and treatment of cancer.

Business World

Virtual Residential Demand in ’Shadow Cities’ show an increasing

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Ashwini Kumar Tewari, #Dhruv Agarwala, #Mr. Balbir Singh, #Suvankar Sen, #Vishal Gupta

Housing demand, which hitherto has remained dominant in the top 8 cities of India, is gaining momentum in Tier II & Tier III or ‘shadow cities’ with the trend becoming more prominent post the nationwide lockdown according to Housing.com.

As per the Think Piece titled ‘Time for Internal Globalisation – Small Cities Setting the Tone for Revival’, the online platform observed a surge in virtual residential demand from ‘shadow cities’ (Tier II & III cities). The recently launched Virtual Residential Demand Index states that the demand from small cities had been increasing steadily but saw a significant spike in August 2020. Overshadowing the metros, the index jumped to 210 points for ‘shadow cities’ compared to 150 for the metros post the nation entering into Unlock Phase 4.0

Reverse migration of the corporate workforce and increased flexibility due to remote working is one of the key drivers cited for this surge in virtual residential demand.

The report noted that, though development in ‘shadow cities’ has moved at a snail’s pace, the current pandemic driven crisis, has brought structural changes, which has notably accelerated the process of deeper market penetration in ‘shadow cities’ across sectors. Driven by the thrust of increasing digitisation, and an aspirational consumer cohort in the ‘shadow cities’, these cities now are exhibiting a readiness for big brands across the categories of fashion, luxury cars, jewellery and real estate among many others.

The disruption in the economy and job uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic led to a significant ‘reverse migration’ of the population — both informal migrant population and employees in the formal service sector who have either lost their jobs or are working remotely.

“This reverse migration, with workforce moving back to their hometowns or smaller cities is one of the key drivers that is rallying the growth of not only the e-commerce platforms but is also surging the online search traffic for buying and renting residential spaces in the ‘Shadow Cities’,” the report said.

“On our Housing.com platform during the last few months, we have seen a noteworthy increase in interest levels for residential properties especially from non-metro cities such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Vadodara, Nagpur, Vijayawada and Coimbatore,” said Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO, Housing.com, Makaan.com & PropTiger.com.

“Our ‘Virtual Residential Demand Index’ shows this trend more saliently post May 2020,” he added.

“The interest in the smaller cities has been gradually increasing and the share increased to 27 per cent in the first half of 2020, as compared to 18 per cent in the same period in 2019,” the report said.

Cities such as Agra and Amritsar witnessed an impressive growth of more than 100 per cent in the virtual residential demand over pre-COVID times, while cities of Vadodara, Ludhiana, Mangaluru, Chandigarh and Lucknow saw more than 80 per cent growth in residential demand in the same period. In contrast, the top 8 cities have witnessed a relatively lower growth in virtual demand for residential spaces over the Pre-COVID period.

Going forward, Agarwala said “reverse migration driven by remote working could have “powerful reverberations” on the future of residential demand.”

Views from Industry veterans on-demand uptick:

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head, Audi India

“With an increase in disposable income and aspirations of owning global brands, the contribution to volumes is increasing steadily from smaller cities. We also see a positive trend of customers from smaller cities, who have an appetite for performance and lifestyle cars with new body styles. At Audi India, our focus has always been on expanding to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These regions exhibit rising aspirations to own luxury cars. Under our ‘Workshop First’ strategy, we enter Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with a ‘Service First promise’ by inaugurating a workshop first, a gradual plan to establish a showroom follows. Living our ‘Workshop First’ approach, we have opened gates to our state-of-the-art workshop facilities in Thane, Vijayawada, and Trivandrum, reaching closer to our customers. We will continue to expand this as per market demand.

In addition, we also have seven Audi Approved; plus showrooms; our plan is to double this as per market demand.”

Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SBI Card

“The credit card penetration in India on an overall basis is only 3 per 100. This number will be even lower in Tier 2 and 3 cities as traditionally most lenders were cautious about lending in these pockets on account of less awareness of credit culture, less acceptance infra like POS and lack of collection infrastructure. The Demonetisation, Government Digitisation initiatives and growth of e-commerce has changed these.

There is a lot of potential in Tier 2 and 3 cities and the customers are now actively seeking credit (credit cards as well as personal loans). In the last quarter, as per Credit Bureaus, the Rural and Semi-Urban markets share in the overall new trades increased and the Metros decreased.

SBI Cards has always had a strong focus on Tier 2 and 3 markets in line with the customer base of SBI. Almost 40 per cent of our Portfolio is from Tier 2 and 3 cities, additionally, in terms of new customers, the trend is even higher. The credit performance of Tier 2 and 3 cities is 10–15 per cent better. SBI Cards plans to focus on increasing its market share in these cities.

Suvankar Sen, CEO, Senco Gold and Diamonds

“Tier 2 and 3 cities is the Bharat side of growing India and during the COVID-19 situation, we see a large middle-class customer base appreciating their smaller towns, a protective cocoon in the world of uncertainty. Senior citizens or families moving back to Tier 2 and 3 cities, migrant labourers moving back home to their Tier 2 and 3 cities and urban centres decluttered and less polluted. We have seen less degrowth in Tier 2 and 3 cities, more optimism and positive thoughts in smaller shadow cities compared to major urban centres. Thus, the hope for future growth in countries and development opportunities lies in the shadow cities.

Vishal Gupta, MD, Ashiana Housing Ltd.

The pandemic will see the emergence of new cities. Tier 2 cities with good infrastructure, air connectivity and affordable real estate prices will grow into megacities as the young will choose to live in bigger, better houses in their native environment. Many of them will be able to work for companies around the globe from the comfort of their hometown.

Education

5000 Indians join UPSC course with Catalyst Group in just a week

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Akhand Swaroop Pandit, #Catalyst Group, #competitive examinations, #UPSC Civil Services examination, #UPSC course

The Catalyst Group, an EdTech start-up offering online education for different competitive examinations recently launched a special course for UPSC Civil Services examination, which bagged 5000 applicants in just a week.

The course offers special skill enhancement for the posts of different government officials like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IES, EPFO etc. This course is easily accessible by logging on to the website and purchasing the preferred via digital payment methods. EMI payment options have also been facilitated for students who are unable to pay the entire amount all at once. The course can also be saved and re-watched as many times for future references and learning.

When the entire economy was on a standstill, EdTech continued to be among the very few sectors to have witnessed a rapid upsurge in sales-with an exponential growth of 50-60%. Commenting on the recent achievement, Akhand Swaroop Pandit, CEO and Founder, The Catalyst Group says “This pandemic has pushed the entire world into the deep end of the waters, compelling every sector to innovate, evolve and adapt to the online universe. At Catalyst, our primary and sole focus has remained on digital education even before Covid19 because we realized much earlier on in the game that digital is the future. Several Indian education brands across the board are now rising to the need of the hour and providing students with priceless educational opportunities in the online space. In the last 5 months alone, Catalyst has registered over 80% rise in admissions with the enrolment of over 1,20,000 students in different online courses.”

“In the current scenario, when private jobs are suffering due to the tough economic climate, students are seen opting for government jobs. With a vast range of students across the country and the world, we have also initiated an approach of providing free classes to remote villages,” adds Pandit. Akhand holds the position of the Education Icon of 2019 and is one of the youngest start-up mentor & angel investors.

As one of the countries with one of the youngest populations in the world and limited access to education, The Catalyst Group aims to expand the blanket of learning for the ones who need it, through enhanced learning guidance.

Business World

HDFC Bank launches ‘Festive Treats’ 2.0 with 1000+ offers

Oct 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Festive Treats’ 2.0, #HDFC Bank, #Mr. Aditya Puri, #Mr. Parag Rao

Mumbai, September 30, 2020: After the resounding success of the 1st edition, HDFC Bank today launched ‘Festive Treats’ its annual financial services dhamaka. Customers can avail of special deals on all banking products from loans to bank accounts, with over 1000+ offers from leading players and over 2,000 hyper-local offers through tie-ups with local merchants across semi-urban and rural locations.

In light of the unprecedented situation due to Covid19, all deals and offers this year can also be availed of digitally from the safety customers’ homes, in addition to over the counter at branches, partner stores and dealerships.

On the heels of its Summer Treats festival, the bank expects mobiles, consumer durable, and electronics categories to do well in addition to apparels, jewellery and dining-in due to the festive season.

Offers will be available across the entire range of financial solutions for retail as well as business customers with discounts on processing fee on loans, reduced EMIs, cashback, gift vouchers and more benefits.

HDFC Bank has also tied up with retail brands to offer discounts, cashback and extra reward points on both in-store and online purchases. Online majors such as Amazon, TataCliq, Myntra, Pepperfry, Swiggy and Grofers will offer special deals during this time. Leading retail and consumer brands like Lifestyle, Bata, Monte Carlo. Vijay Sales, Kohinoor, GRT, ORRA are a few big names that will offer up to between 5% to 15% cashback on various products and services.

With 53 per cent of branches in semi-urban and rural areas, the bank plans to take this offering to the most remote corners of the country. It has tied up with hyperlocal stores and kiranas to line up over 2000+ offers at the regional level The national campaign was launched digitally by Mr. Parag Rao, Country Head – Payment Business, Merchant Acquiring Services and Marketing, HDFC Bank. Mr. Aditya Puri, Managing Director, HDFC Bank graced the occasion.

While there are a vast number of offers available through the Festive Treats Campaign, here are a few illustrative benefits:

• On all Apple products including the newest launches, HDFC Bank Customers can avail cashback of up to Rs 7000.
• A shopper can avail of cashback of up to 22.5% and convert their purchases into a no extra cost EMI on leading brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Godrej and Panasonic.
• The Bank is offering 50% off on the processing fees on auto loans, personal loans and business growth loans and zero processing fee on two-wheeler loans.

“Consumers have held back on purchases during the lockdown and there is a lot of pent up demand that has built up in the system,” said Mr. Parag Rao, Country Head – Payment Business, Merchant Acquiring Services and Marketing, HDFC Bank. “In the past 2-3 months, we have seen renewed customer interest and buying patterns. We see this continuing through the festive season as well. It’s our endeavour that no matter what the dream, with HDFC Bank money should not be a constraint for our customers. We’re therefore bringing together a never before seen range of 1000+ offers across brands and across all our banking products in one place. We are confident that we’ll fulfil every dream of our customers through Festive Treats.”

Speaking at the launch of Festive Treats, Mr. Aditya Puri, MD, HDFC Bank said, “These are unprecedented times. What we have witnessed is that even during this period the people of our country have shown courage and resilience. The launch of #FestiveTreats is our effort to celebrate this spirit of India. Post lockdown we are seeing green shoots. We want to create positivity and boost consumption. We want to be there for our customers and ensure that they have everything they need to meet their demands this year. #HumHaarNahiMaanenge”